Looseness/mild rattle in steering column on bumps?

[Rockclimbersh]

Hey guys, I have an 03 3.0Q 6M. It's got 61K on the odo and I bought it 3k miles ago. For some reason recently I'm noticing that when I hit bumps, particularly when i'm turning, there is a weird kickback in the steering wheel. I can feel and hear a slight chunking noise, like there's some slop in the steering linkage. I feel like it's getting worse. Any idea what this could be? A failing bushing? Something common to A4s, particularly the super nose heavy 3.0 liter model? It just feels like something is slightly broken. The car still tracks fine on the highway at speed. Bumps just seem to upset the steering wheel more than many other vehicles i've driven. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Greg

[ThreePointOhh]

i guess maybe you should have the steering rack looked at.... only thing i can think of. if you're hearing clunking it's definitely something mechanical that is looose. take it to a shop before it get worse. the rack is costly to replace.

[a4 turbo]

i had the same thing happen on a 1.8t but mine also clunked when i was parked and rocked my wheel left to right about 4 inched back and fourth, try that and see what happens because it was the steering rack for me, but i have been driving on it for about 6k miles now and it dosent get worse or better so whatever just kind of annoying

[CyberPMG]

Could be the steering rack. Could also be bad control arms (which would have movement of the wheel back and forth). Both are expensive items. I just replaced all upper and lower control arms (and tie rods) on mine, and it's not cheap.

Get to a shop/dealer to get it checked out as soon as possible.

[Rockclimbersh]

yeah, when i zig zag the wheel while parked i can hear the same noise. Guess it's time for her first shop visit..... GRRRRR. Shoulda kept the accord, not a problem for 100k miles. After our TT Roadster I knew this would be a love/hate relationship....

[seattlematt]

I have this problem as well, although it doesn't feel deep enough to be the rack. Are there any u-joints in the linkage that may rattle? I am going to inspect the shaft before pointing to the rack, If its the rack, it won't be replaced.

[seattlematt]

Did anyone ever find a solution to this issue?

[seattlematt]

guess not :(

[32_d3gr33s]

I have something similar and have been driving for a few months. I had my mechanic peek at it and he couldn't find anything. He said he'd have to start tearing it apart.

I have replaced all control arms. Checked sub frame replaced axles. Inspected wheel bearings, and still can't figure it out