2004 S4 strange noise problem (longish)

**CtS4Driver** · 10-15-2008 08:36 PM

Ok, I need some help from you guys on here...I bought a 2004 S4 6 speed about a month ago after I sold my B5. Has RS4 reps, springs, and milltek. I couldnt be happier with the car....I have factory new car warrranty till the end of october. I took the car in to audi for a noise sounding like a tinny metal clicking sound. I get this sound while stopped or moving from turning the steering wheel from side to side. As you turn the wheel you get this tinny click click click...sounds like a backing plate on the brakes catching on something, but its not. I just had both upper control arms changed, and its still there. Took it to the dealer they said " oh sounds like wheel bearings, that should be covered under warrranty, so they changed the bearings, or so they said...I get my car back and its totally quiet, 2 days later I start to hear the same sound again. I'm like WTF, so I take it back to them less than 150 miles later and they said Oh sounds like wheel bearings; so now they are saying the lowered suspension caused the problem (B S) and that its not covered...Now I have to wade through all the BS to get my car fixed AGAIN...My question is, has anyone experienced this noise and what did they do to get it fixed. I think these guys are jerking me around, and that they never really changed the bearings in the first place...Is it possible to repack and reinstall worn out bearings on a b6 s4 front axles? The car is still at the dealer and I'm running out of time on the warrranty....If anybody has any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks guys!

**edwardabodnar** · 10-15-2008 08:48 PM

cv joints

**RAudi Driver** · 10-15-2008 10:16 PM

Could be your cv's but try this first. Take it around some trns and apply the brakes and see if the sound goes away. If it does, then it's your brakes.

**likewater** · 10-15-2008 11:37 PM

Yeah I have this same sound. Shit I thought I was the only one -obviously not. I only hear it when backing out of my garage as the wheels are turned (the way the garage is set on the house you have to turn to get out). Haven't thought too much about it and I'm really curious as to what it is as well.

edwardabodnar, are you just guessing that this is a CV joint problem or have you had this confirmed?

**Sunny4** · 10-16-2008 06:56 PM

I hear the clicking sound all the time. Especialy when I back out of my garage. I also have to turn the wheel when I'm backing out. Do you guys drive stick? I hear it most often as I let out the clutch backing out. Side note, when backing out or parking do you guys ride ur clutch, aKa not release it all the way so ur car creeps instead of bolting??

**40valve** · 10-16-2008 07:51 PM

I thought in the other few threads that most were agreeing that it was brakes.
More specifically, clips and that replacements from ECS did not fix the problem.
Mine click a lot when everything is cold. Once everything is warmed up I don't hear it as much.
You could roll up your windows so you won't hear it

**edwardabodnar** · 10-17-2008 07:51 AM

This was a problem that I had with a previous car it was a Mazda. The problem sounds pretty similar but really I am just trying to help narrow it down for you I am no mechanic. I would get alot of clicking while turning at any speed forward or backward....my 2 cents

**S4J** · 10-17-2008 12:02 PM

Mine did this and it turned out to be a bad motor mount (fixed under warranty). I'd really hear it when turning and entering or backing out of a raised driveway.

**Au6i** · 10-17-2008 12:40 PM

Not to hijack, but while we're talking about steering noises, my a6 sporadically makes a nasty creak (audible up to 30 feet away from the car) when I turn. Any help would be appreciated.