A few questions from a new owner

[04lss]

Hi all,

On thursday I purchased a 2014 S4 with 84k miles (dsg, white, alu optics B&O, Nav) . I have noticed a few things about my car that make me wonder if things need attention. I am not sure if its normal for the car, or if i should do more digging.

1. When i get moving (not as i immediately start from a stop but slightly after) I feel some clicks, and movement at my feet, like something is moving around. Its pretty subtle. Im assuming its something with the DSG once the gear is fully engaged.

2. My car seems to have a hard time returning to center when driving at speeds above 45. Its a bit hard to describe but it doesnt drive right. It seems to steer straight but doesnt have a tendency to correct itself after minor steering inputs. Is this normal, or should i have the alignment/front LCAs checked?


3. Idle. I noticed the idle isnt "smooth" Its not terrible, but i can definitely feel the engine running, and its not as smooth as id expect from an audi. My guess based on the lack of service records is that the spark plugs were never replaced, and that a carbon cleaning was never done. The plan is to get a carbon cleaning/DSG service done at the dealer in March. Im just wondering if the idle is normal or indicative of carbon build up/old plugs

[Iwantyourcar]

Hi all,

On thursday I purchased a 2014 S4 with 84k miles (dsg, white, alu optics B&O, Nav) . I have noticed a few things about my car that make me wonder if things need attention. I am not sure if its normal for the car, or if i should do more digging.

1. When i get moving (not as i immediately start from a stop but slightly after) I feel some clicks, and movement at my feet, like something is moving around. Its pretty subtle. Im assuming its something with the DSG once the gear is fully engaged.

2. My car seems to have a hard time returning to center when driving at speeds above 45. Its a bit hard to describe but it doesnt drive right. It seems to steer straight but doesnt have a tendency to correct itself after minor steering inputs. Is this normal, or should i have the alignment/front LCAs checked?


3. Idle. I noticed the idle isnt "smooth" Its not terrible, but i can definitely feel the engine running, and its not as smooth as id expect from an audi. My guess based on the lack of service records is that the spark plugs were never replaced, and that a carbon cleaning was never done. The plan is to get a carbon cleaning/DSG service done at the dealer in March. Im just wondering if the idle is normal or indicative of carbon build up/old plugs

New plugs helped with my idle.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[04lss]

New plugs helped with my idle.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ive noticed there are some more affordable bosch and NGK options. Any reason i shouldnt go with the NGK Iridium or the bosch platinum ? https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/audi-spark-plug-ngk-2669

[OliNix]

1. Sounds like Quattro rumble. It’s normal

2. Get your tracking done, sounds like the caster or tow is off.


OliNix
B8.5 S4 Avant - Glacier White

[SForePlayin']

When you speak of idle, are you idling in Park or in Drive, say at a stop light? Because these cars are notorious for idling rough. Here is one previous thread (https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/739301-B8-5-S4-idle-question) about it.

[Silver Streakin]

1. I have a manual, so I can't relate to DSG...but someone else mentioned, Quattro isn't quiet. Have you had an Audi before?

2. At 84k, it's possible to need control arms. Any odd tire wear?

3. Normal. This model S4 is slightly rough idle. I noticed it too when test driving cars. Mine still does after a few plug changes. It's not the plugs, but it can never hurt to change them. The plugs you linked above are heat range 9. Stock is 8.

[04lss]

1. I have a manual, so I can't relate to DSG...but someone else mentioned, Quattro isn't quiet. Have you had an Audi before?

2. At 84k, it's possible to need control arms. Any odd tire wear?

3. Normal. This model S4 is slightly rough idle. I noticed it too when test driving cars. Mine still does after a few plug changes. It's not the plugs, but it can never hurt to change them. The plugs you linked above are heat range 9. Stock is 8.

If i remember right, the higher the number on NGK plugs the colder the range right? That means these would be suitable for the stage 1 tune I am planning to get later this year?

[Keymainey]

1. Like others said, may be quattro rumble. Especially if it's more prominent during sharper turns at crawling speeds.

2. Does your steering feel floaty, or is it just that it doesn't return to center at high speeds? Does it favor a certain way? If it doesn't favor any direction and you say it drives straight, I don't believe it's an alignment issue. This thread may have information for you. There are also other threads about the topic you can search for. https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=894036


3. As stated before new plugs may help. It might also be engine mounts, as they go prematurely. And others have said it may just be the rough idle these cars have.

[Silver Streakin]

If i remember right, the higher the number on NGK plugs the colder the range right? That means these would be suitable for the stage 1 tune I am planning to get later this year?

Yes, higher is colder. Do whatever your tuner recommends.

I have been using 8 with stage 2+. I honestly didn't question plugs until I went dual pulley that I just did over the holidays and haven't driven it much. UniTronic recommended those plugs you linked, which I just ordered. I don't plan on driving it until I swap plugs.

[agentsmith988]

1. I have a 6MT and it's quiet and smooth so can't comment. I'm at 125k miles for reference.

2. For the steering definitely start with checking your tire pressure and alignment. These electronic racks are notoriously sensitive to correct tire PSI and alignments. Disabling DSR (Driver Steering Recommendation) is the next course of action. There was also a software update (48K8) to the electronic steering rack that addressed some issues as well. You can check to see if that was applied already.

Finally, if you're like me you'll try all of these and still be stuck with swapping the steering rack! I swapped to a refurbished rack from a 2016 and haven't had any steering issues since.

3. Carbon cleaning and plugs are a good place to start. I'd check engine mounts as well though. Does it idle smoother in neutral? That's often a good sign that engine/tranny mounts are on their way out. My idle is buttery smooth.