Low speed vibration

[Neil F]

I had been loosing my mind because sometimes it seems more noticeable and can be hard to tell if it is the road surface but I have been able to repeat it now. It is really prevalent at 35 mph and it is getting more evident that it is in the front end as the steering wheel is beginning to shake. Above and below 35 I cannot tell that there is anything. 45 ish it tapers off and high speed on the highway it is fine.

I have had it a year. It is a 2014CPO S5 cab. When I go it I am sure there was no sensation like this. It took a beating this winter with the NE potholes. Blew two tires on the drivers front and hit plenty others. I had the tires Road Force checked last week. Firestone said all the rims were a little bent but not too bad. Only one required the tire be moved on the rim and they put the worst on the rear. It did not help the vibration.

I put spacers on a few months ago and there was nothing at the time so I do not think they are the issue. I pulled the rims and checked the torque and everything was good. I am going to take them off and see if they are part of the problem and definitely have them off before I go to the dealer. I am only going to the dealer to hoping it is something covered as opposed to something damaged from potholes.

[Sazexa]

If it's not the tire balance (road forcing is good, but, run out could maybe cause some vibrations as well), then I'd first assume it could be those spacers. If you have some time, take the wheels off. Sand down the rotor had surface that mates to the wheel/spacer, and the back of the spacer. Just to remove surface rust. See if that helps.

[Neil F]

Not the spacers. Took them off and no change......................

[JayDog747]

" Firestone said all the rims were a little bent but not too bad"

DING DING DING! We have a winner! Tell him what he won Johnny! A trip to a shop that straightens wheels.

Been there. Done that.

[Neil F]

" Firestone said all the rims were a little bent but not too bad"

DING DING DING! We have a winner! Tell him what he won Johnny! A trip to a shop that straightens wheels.

Been there. Done that.

Was yours speed dependent? Above/below 30-40 there is no vibration.

[RockJGC]

Bent wheels? That's all it takes. Get your wheels straightened or replace them.

[JayDog747]

I had one bent wheel on both the A/S4. Switched it out with the spare wheel and the vibration went away. Had them straightened and use them as spares. The vibrations started in the 30-40mph range and then through excessive highway speeds. Giggity.

More than likely, you purchased the car with one or two bent wheels. What feels normal to you at speeds above 40, to me, I would say something is wrong. You have just been used to it from the get-go.

A few ?

How many miles
Are these oem rims
Has the car ever been in an accident
Do you your own car
Is everything stock

[Neil F]

I got the car 13 months ago. Something recently changed and the vibrations started. Yes it could have been potholes damaging the rims though the vibrations started a while after the last tire damaging hit.

I bought it with 41k and now there are 65k miles
Stock OEM rotors
Yes the car was apparently was in a front end accident prior to purchase. I found evidence of repaint and it was an issue I had with the dealer after I purchased as a CPO....long story
Yes I wrench
Stock as far as the suspension

[JayDog747]

Ah! Now we are getting somewhere. 25k is alot of miles in a year. I know it's a pita, but you should strongly look into getting the wheels straightened. Having said that...

You could have a blown shock, the control arms and or the tie rods could be damaged. Possibly the wheel bearings, but you would hear them. Motor mounts is another possibility. If you have to have an alignment, have the dealer or a known reputable European shop do it. Firestone doesn't have a good reputation here on the forum.

[Brad Williams]

Have your upper control arms looked at. I replaced my stock with the SPC and a world of a difference. I had a slight shimmy that they were the culprit.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Neil F]

Yep bent wheels.....all of them. Took it to Audi and they did not charge me. Put it up on the lift and ran the car and it was unbelievable how bad they were. One dent was obvious and the other had a wobble.

Now what to do. I know straightening costs a little over 100. 2-3 have curb rash, might as well get that fixed and clear coat peeling. Assume I am looking at close to 200 per wheel.

Excuse for new rims?

I would love to go to wide 20's but tires were new last summer and from what pot holes did, lower profile will not be good.

Which aftermarket are stronger and how much?