Metalic clicking noise from front suspension

[Greg B]

Hello All.

I am driving 2016 A4 (B9) Avant Quattro 2.0TDI I bought it from private owner second hand with about 45k on the clock half year ago. Current millage is about 50k . Car is no longer under warranty.

From the beginning of the ownership I had this weird clicking noise coming from driver side front suspension / wheel arch area.
I can hear it mainly at low speeds, when braking and start moving, turning wheels when car is stationary - generally all parking situations, coming to and leaving roundabouts. It is usually quiet on bumps. Sometimes I can also feel it through the floor. Feels like some tension related issue.
My first suspicion was loose or broken front subframe, so I asked my friend mechanic to check all suspension bolts and fasten it if necessary. It did not help much.
I took the car to local Audi dealer for an investigation. Audi links it to TPI: 2044902/4 and quotes around £400 for fixing it, car needs to stay with them for about 2 days. I asked for some explanation but service adviser was not very clear what exactly was wrong . She briefly explained that it has something to do with wheel arch and it is a known fault.

Have anyone had similar issue with his/her A4 (b9)?
I have tried to google TPI 2044902/4 but the only trace found is on some Finnish car forum and I am not entirely sure about translation given by google. However it sounds more like a structural cabin issue than wheel arch itself.

Please let me know if anyone could help finding TPI details or had similar noise problem. I would like to hear about possible outcome before I pull the trigger and go with dealer's advise.

 

[nora2004]

One of the main culprits when turning the wheels when stationary is usually the strut top mount bearing!

 

[Greg B]

One of the main culprits when turning the wheels when stationary is usually the strut top mount bearing!

Thanks nora2004, will look into it.I should also say that it is not happening when car is on ramp and turning wheels. It can only be heard and felt when car stands on the ground.

 

[nisbeat]

Any luck finding out what it is?

I have the exact same issue, it’s a click/creaking noise!


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[Greg B]

Any luck finding out what it is?

I have the exact same issue, it’s a click/creaking noise!


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Unfortunately not yet. I have contacted Audi UK customer service. I want to try my luck with them as the car is still low milage with FASH and looks like it could be chassis structural problem specific to b9 platform.
Audi UK spoke to service manager and dealer did a bit of U turn in my opinion, claiming that last time they had not enough resources to check problem properly , so they want car back for another diagnosis.
Next appointment will be some time next week.
Let me know if you find anything intresting in your case.

 

[nisbeat]

Wow interesting!

Yes please keep me posted, took the lower part of the dashboard apart today and nothing was obvious to the eye unfortunately.

Im also waiting for the audi indy garage to open up to get them to check. I’ll let you know if anything comes out of it! Although probably not for a few weeks due to lockdown restrictions in scotland.


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[LukeHawk]

I have a similar thing, but it sounds more like a plastic noise making a few "ticks" as if it was on a spring or something. Comes under the same conditions you describe, but not always. Havent heard it in a while actually.. I'm hoping it sorted itself out haha.

 

[Greg B]

Here is recording of me driving on roundabouts for a reference.

 

[nisbeat]

That sounds slightly different to my car. Have you had your cv joints checked, that’s a common symptom when turning the car.


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[Greg B]

Thanks for suggestion, will ask to check cv joints as well.
However it is not happening when accelerating at higher speeds and is not related to angle of turned wheels.
If I brake a rolling car on N, it will click as well so I thought it would not be a drive train.

 

[nisbeat]

Just an update, went to an Audi specialist today, they took the car out for a road test and confirmed the noise comes from one of the upper control arm bushings/ball joint, booked in for a repair on the 29th (one of the best VAG specialist in Edinburgh hence the v long wait)!


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[Greg B]

Quick update on my case. Bristol Audi diagnosed car once again, they are referring to the same TPI but quote is around £1600 this time (it was £400 initially)!!! Waiting for response from Audi UK now...

 

[Charlie in London]

The noise I have is not a clicking but a whine from the front left wheel when going above 50mph. It happens when going straight and stops when turning.

Would you all agree it is the CV joint?

Charlie

 

[Greg B]

Quick update on my case... Dealer did not offer any good will repair. I am left on my own with £1600 bill. In my opinion, it is clearly manufacturing fault... I have lost all my faith in Audi as a brand. Not sure what is a point of collecting all service stamps from their dealers. I also find Audi UK customer service completly useless & contacting them is just a waste of time.
*For the comparison I have had cracked exhaust manifold replaced in 11 years old Civic with 144k on the clock and just partial service history on good will terms!!!
I am really disappointed with Audi.

 

[Greg B]

The noise I have is not a clicking but a whine from the front left wheel when going above 50mph. It happens when going straight and stops when turning.

Would you all agree it is the CV joint?

Charlie

It sounds more like a wheel bearing to me.
Cv joints usually get noisier when you are turning.

 

[A4Ultra]

Hey there, Sorry to hear about this issue you're having.

I know it's not exactly much help but since I live half of the year in the South West, I have heard many many bad stories about Bristol Audi and would seriously take what they say as merely an opinion. I'd recommend visiting another dealer/specialist unless the fault is clearly what they say. Have heard very similar stories about something being a minor fix elsewhere and Bristol Audi charging thousands for it.

Of course, if you have had it their before and found them ok then I guess that's good. Is this the case? (I know you mentioned you bought it privately but still). Maybe you'd have also more luck with goodwill if you tried at the dealer where you regularly have the vehicle serviced etc?

 

[Greg B]

I can gladly confirm that my problem was finally solved 2 weeks ago at a very little cost and in about 2h total!!!!
A friend of mine working for another VAG group dealership found repair instructions related to TPI , so everything has been done accordingly.
Repair has been carried out in independent body shop in Gloucester (they are called Polite Auto Body Shop in case you need them ). They formed a tool made of steel rod, inserted it to floor member through existing holes and increased a gap between metal parts inside floor member. All assisted by endoscope camera. Noise is gone for good!

I am afraid @A4Ultra has been close to the truth about Bristol Audi. They have quoted over £1600 for 2h repair , no parts needed apart from 500mm long steel rod & a little corrosion protection spray for closed profiles afterwards.

Unfortunately I can't share any related VAG materials online as this could put some jobs in danger, but happy to help anyone with the same problem. Alternatively speak to Polite Autobody Shop in Gloucester, they have a know how.

 

[A4Ultra]

I can gladly confirm that my problem was finally solved 2 weeks ago at a very little cost and in about 2h total!!!!
A friend of mine working for another VAG group dealership found repair instructions related to TPI , so everything has been done accordingly.
Repair has been carried out in independent body shop in Gloucester (they are called Polite Auto Body Shop in case you need them ). They formed a tool made of steel rod, inserted it to floor member through existing holes and increased a gap between metal parts inside floor member. All assisted by endoscope camera. Noise is gone for good!

I am afraid @A4Ultra has been close to the truth about Bristol Audi. They have quoted over £1600 for 2h repair , no parts needed apart from 500mm long steel rod & a little corrosion protection spray for closed profiles afterwards.

Unfortunately I can't share any related VAG materials online as this could put some jobs in danger, but happy to help anyone with the same problem. Alternatively speak to Polite Autobody Shop in Gloucester, they have a know how.

Great to hear you managed to get this sorted - very happy.

Coincidentally I've never even been to Bristol Audi personally but have heard such bad stories and that reflects with what's mentioned.

Happy to hear you can enjoy the motor now

 

[k77]

Wow interesting!

Yes please keep me posted, took the lower part of the dashboard apart today and nothing was obvious to the eye unfortunately.

Im also waiting for the audi indy garage to open up to get them to check. I’ll let you know if anything comes out of it! Although probably not for a few weeks due to lockdown restrictions in scotland.


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Found this almost comical when I read this as I've just got in from taking the lower drivers side dash apart and found nothing obvious. I have a dull click at slow speed when turn the wheel but also on and off accelerator and brakes - low speed only.

Does this sound like the same issue you later solved with the upper arm ball joint?


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[k77]

I can gladly confirm that my problem was finally solved 2 weeks ago at a very little cost and in about 2h total!!!!
A friend of mine working for another VAG group dealership found repair instructions related to TPI , so everything has been done accordingly.
Repair has been carried out in independent body shop in Gloucester (they are called Polite Auto Body Shop in case you need them ). They formed a tool made of steel rod, inserted it to floor member through existing holes and increased a gap between metal parts inside floor member. All assisted by endoscope camera. Noise is gone for good!

I am afraid @A4Ultra has been close to the truth about Bristol Audi. They have quoted over £1600 for 2h repair , no parts needed apart from 500mm long steel rod & a little corrosion protection spray for closed profiles afterwards.

Unfortunately I can't share any related VAG materials online as this could put some jobs in danger, but happy to help anyone with the same problem. Alternatively speak to Polite Autobody Shop in Gloucester, they have a know how.

Greg, I think my problem is identical to the one you mention in first post, although the video further down it sounds a little louder than mine.
Anyway, ironically I'm not far from Gloucester and for ease of knowing they've carried out this specific repair before. I would go to Polite - is there someone there i should ask for by name who is going to know what I'm talking about?

Cheers Appreciate it.

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[Greg B]

@k77 it sounds a little different on recording than in real life indeed. Also it transformed from very quiet and random at the beginning to regular click noise later.

Please speak to Jan.

 

[k77]

@k77 it sounds a little different on recording than in real life indeed. Also it transformed from very quiet and random at the beginning to regular click noise later.

Please speak to Jan.

Thanks i will give him a call, failing that have you got any way you could share the repair instructions relating to TPI as I may have the facility to do it myself if the wait over the Xmas period for booking into Polite etc is too long.





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[Greg B]

Please PM me if you need more detailed instructions. I have got only paper copy and all documents are in Polish.

 

[Sousa Paulo]

Por favor, me PM se você precisar de instruções mais específicas. Tenho apenas uma cópia em papel e todos os documentos estão em polonês.

Por favor, me PM se você precisar de instruções mais específicas. Tenho apenas uma cópia em papel e todos os documentos estão em polonês.

Boa noite, podem enviar-me os detalhes desta reparação, moro em Portugal e tenho exactamente o mesmo problema e ninguém consegue eliminar o ruído. saudações

 

[Void20]

Hello!
I think I have the same issue, but in rear right. It happens with body flexing: when leaving park (i reverse with wheels turned), when going thru bumps.. pretty much when there is a body twist.

Found about this on multiple forums, including:

Creaking noise due to faulty body panel - lemon? - AudiWorld Forums

A4 (B9 Platform) Discussion - Creaking noise due to faulty body panel - lemon? - About 1 month my brand new B9 A4 developed a creaking noise from the left C-pillar area whenever I turn, go up and down inclines, basically everytime the chassis has to flex. Took it to the dealer thinking it was...

www.audiworld.com

Knarzen beim anfahren, bremsen, lenken, einparken

Ich hatte bei meinem A4 B9 2.0 TDI Frontantrieb BJ 2019 folgendes Problem. Beim anfahren, bremsen, Stadtverkehr, einparken und lenken gab es bei mir knarzen…

www.motor-talk.de

 

[nisbeat]

Please PM me if you need more detailed instructions. I have got only paper copy and all documents are in Polish.

Hello Greg, out of interest do you have the repair instructions? Still creaking away…


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[Robert S]

Please PM me if you need more detailed instructions. I have got only paper copy and all documents are in Polish.

Hi Greg, I have the same problem and I was wondering if you can send me some additional information including the papers so I can wrap my head around the problem.
Thanks

 

[Safire]

Hi Greg, I have the same problem and I was wondering if you can send me some additional information including the papers so I can wrap my head around the problem.
Thanks

Hi Robert, did you manage to solve this problem ?

 

[Robert S]

Long story short - the problem is still there. I managed to do the repair but the metalic plate was probably bent partially because the noise is more proeminent now, it also creaks. I replaced those two bolts and torqued them yesterday and I will try the "repair" again. Will update after that.

 

[Safire]

Thanks for the reply, can you please help me where is the exact location of the noise and how to fix it ? Do you have a guide to fix it ? I would like to get it fixed but i have no idea where to begin thanks

 

[Robert S]

Thanks for the reply, can you please help me where is the exact location of the noise and how to fix it ? Do you have a guide to fix it ? I would like to get it fixed but i have no idea where to begin thanks

TPI 2044902/5
I don't have the instructions, you have to visit the dealership, there is a procedure they do to check, loosen one bolt and heat the subframe, it's pretty straight forward.

 

[millersrb]

Quick update on my case. Bristol Audi diagnosed car once again, they are referring to the same TPI but quote is around £1600 this time (it was £400 initially)!!! Waiting for response from Audi UK now...

What is TPI?

 

[Greg B]

TPI 2044902/5
I don't have the instructions, you have to visit the dealership, there is a procedure they do to check, loosen one bolt and heat the subframe, it's pretty straight forward.

@Robert S have you managed to fix clicking? I would not underestimate role of camera in the process. It is crucial to stick the rod in the gap so it gets bigger, otherwise you can make things worse.

 

[Robert S]

Hi Greg, I managed to fix it eventually, you are 100% right, without a camera it cannot be done.
After the repair, the noise was 90% gone, I also had two loose subframe bolts Wich were found later.
Unfortunately Now I have a new noise:

2016 front left clicking noise accelerating Not CV axle/bearing

Hi, 2016 a4 b9 avant 2.0 tdi Deta, stronic , fwdFollowing a complete overhaul of the front suspension - all suspension arms including sway bar links, inner+ out tie rods, sway bar bushings, shocks and strut mounts, I got rid of the problems but got a new one: Clicking noise from the left front...

www.audi-sport.net

 

[Beni]

I can gladly confirm that my problem was finally solved 2 weeks ago at a very little cost and in about 2h total!!!!
A friend of mine working for another VAG group dealership found repair instructions related to TPI , so everything has been done accordingly.
Repair has been carried out in independent body shop in Gloucester (they are called Polite Auto Body Shop in case you need them ). They formed a tool made of steel rod, inserted it to floor member through existing holes and increased a gap between metal parts inside floor member. All assisted by endoscope camera. Noise is gone for good!

I am afraid @A4Ultra has been close to the truth about Bristol Audi. They have quoted over £1600 for 2h repair , no parts needed apart from 500mm long steel rod & a little corrosion protection spray for closed profiles afterwards.

Unfortunately I can't share any related VAG materials online as this could put some jobs in danger, but happy to help anyone with the same problem. Alternatively speak to Polite Autobody Shop in Gloucester, they have a know how.

Hello Greg B!

Great to know that you fixed your problem!

Me and my brother both owns same car like you and guess what we both have same problem with clicking and we are trying to fix this with mechanics and dealerships but they are useless :/ i would like to ask you if you can send me the reapir instructions even if they are in polish leanguage i just want to get rid of it and i think i will do it with my brother without help of the mechanics dealership...

Thanks in advance you can contact me on email bennibeni@gmail.com

I am despret please help.

 

[Greg B]

Hello Greg B!

Great to know that you fixed your problem!

Me and my brother both owns same car like you and guess what we both have same problem with clicking and we are trying to fix this with mechanics and dealerships but they are useless :/ i would like to ask you if you can send me the reapir instructions even if they are in polish leanguage i just want to get rid of it and i think i will do it with my brother without help of the mechanics dealership...

Thanks in advance you can contact me on email bennibeni@gmail.com

I am despret please help.

Hey @Beni

I can feel your pain. Hopefully you will resolve it with instructions. Will send it to you shortly.
Get or borrow some endoscope inspection camera if you want to sort it 100% at first time.

 

[WesT-gefül]

Hey

Hi, could you also send me the instructions please.

poplin.dubnium_03@icloud.com

 

[Beni]

Thanks guys , i will try it soon i found some free time and garage where i can lift my car and try to fix this problem. Last time when i asked one mechanic what he thinks about this sound he told me that i have problem with my automatic transmition wich works normal without any problems its so hard with mechanics they take a lot of money but they dont care much.. I already bought metal stick and i will buy endoscop its like 20e and you can use it with smartphone. I already studied a bit how to do it only thing what i thinking is how hard do you need to hit stick wizh hammer to achive that gap you need to fix the problrm ? And what is the red thing between metal plates is that domething to be careful not to demage?

 

[Beni]

Finaly i did it. Me and my brother both had problems with this and today we did it alone and i took us like 2h for both cars. Without endoscop is i think imposible because you need to see how to set rod properly in between. And when you make the gap then creaking is gone. I cant believe it but thank you very much for help !!! Anyone who need infos and tips how to do it just contact me .

 

[roki]

Hi guys, i have the same problem with my audi a4 2016! Can you help me to solve it and send me instructions?



Thanks in advance!