B8.5 S5 popping noise

[HazeMyth]

Does anyone else here experience this? I've got a popping noise coming from my front passenger side when I drive slowly while having the wheel cranked all the way. This only happens when it's below freezing outside, and only happens when the car is also cold. Once the car has been driven around a bit, the popping no longer exists. I'd venture to guess it's just caused by parts shrinking due to the cold weather, and possibly sliding around just enough to generate a popping noise.

[d1amund]

Yep, happened the other day while backing out of a space with the wheel turned (not full lock but maybe 3/4). Was so loud I thought the wheel fell off (a bit of an exaggeration) but I could definitely feel it in the steering wheel, even with numb hands. I'll never be able to recreate that for the dealer to check...another annoyance from Audi for now.

[HazeMyth]

How low was the outside temperature when you had it happen? I've had it happen 2-3 times now, and it's only ever been when it's below freezing outside and the car is also cold.

[JamesRS5]

It could be grease in the CV joints? Here's a theory for you:
Grease will have a higher viscosity at low temperatures; it's been sitting all night in freezing temperatures and turned much more solid, you jump in the car, turn the wheel and move away the grease is reluctant to move so as it's being forced through the CV coupling in your wheel hub it makes popping sound as the coupling rotatates at an angle. Once it's been disturbed and moved around it's viscosity will lower and go back to usual business of lubricating.

Obviously it would be sensible to check for any splits in the rubber or evidence of grease on the outside which would suggest a split or tear.

[Brozee]

It is just the springs binding. Happens more with coilovers. No big deal; I wouldn't worry about it.

[d1amund]

How low was the outside temperature when you had it happen? I've had it happen 2-3 times now, and it's only ever been when it's below freezing outside and the car is also cold.

Temp was low 40'sF, 30-40% humidity. I tried to recreate it tonight, keeping this thread in mind, but nothing happened...slightly colder tonight too, 37F.

[HazeMyth]

It is just the springs binding. Happens more with coilovers. No big deal; I wouldn't worry about it.

I'm guessing it's more noticeable when the temps are colder and the metal shrinks? It happened again when I was heading to the store.

[JamesRS5]

if it was the spring moving in its seat then it would probably do it if you turned lock to lock with the car stationary. I'm not sure what Spring Binding means? What would it be binding with?

[auditink]

It is just the springs binding. Happens more with coilovers. No big deal; I wouldn't worry about it.

bingo, this has happened to me on both of my cars, no big deal. can happen in cold or hot weather from my experience. It hasn't happened in sometime now though, its very random.

[RVJ]

I'm not sure what Spring Binding means? What would it be binding with?

The spring is under compression so some of the coils are resting on each other. When you turn the springs will slide some small amount and where the coils are compressed together they can sometimes stick a bit and make a popping noise when they slide against each other. Hope that makes sense.

As someone mentioned, it is more common on a lowered car with coilovers since more of the spring is in contact with itself. It usually only happens at very low speed when you are making a sharp turn that takes the wheels to the lock position.


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