A4 B6 vibration question ???

[mattpb6]

Hi all,

Bear with me this is my first post lol but, I Have a 2004 A4 1.8t 6 spd with 175k on the dash and have been noticing a vibration these past weeks. It is pretty consitent, it happens at about 80mph and is definitley noticable as i can see my drink in the cup holder shaking, passenger head rest shaking, etc. It happens during acceleration and a little more rough after i let off the gas pedal from 80+ mph. I just got 4 new tires all around and an alignment but it has not gotten any better. Car also shudders pretty bad during braking at higher speeds (getting off the highway). Any ideas to what might be causing this? warped rotors? would like to hear some input from anyone who might have had similar problem.

Thanks - mattpb6

[MacFady]

Do you have the same vibration at idle or only when at speed? Doesn't sound like brakes by your description. Crawl under and grab your rear sway bar and see if there is any movement in the bushings. I only say this because my wife's ride had a bad clunk in the rear that was pretty obviously the rear sway once I looked at it, I decided to check mine on the A4 since I haven't touched any of the rear suspension components and sure enough there was quite a bit of play. Even though there was no audible sound I did have a vibration similar to what you describe. I replaced the bushings and end links last weekend (quick and straight forward job depending on the condition of your hardware). End links separated into two pieces once I took them out. Quite a difference in handling afterward to say the least. Not saying this is your problem but something that is very easy to check. Assuming you have nothing original up front at that mileage.

[audireme]

Vibration during acceleration only can be caused by bad CV joints, check if the boots are ripped. But if your suspension is original, it wouldn't be surprising that your suspension is failing at 175k mi. Check all of your control arms, links, bars for any play. Check your mounts as well, not sure they would cause vibrations as you described, but bad mounts do contribute to excessive drivetrain movement and vibrations.

[KHARDa4]

I would have the wheel balance re checked.

[elewsader]

with your observation of shake during braking (weight transferring to the front end of the vehicle); toss my vote in for front end refresh, possible upper or lower control arm failure.

[Rubba]

Does your engine consumes oil?

[Gin+]

Sounds a lot like my B6. I believe in my case it's the drive-shaft causing the vibration as it feels mostly like it's coming from under my seat. I need to get it up on the lift to have a good look.