Audi D2 A8 - A Pillar Wind Noise
 

I have been going through the old threads on this one this evening trying to look at a plan of action.

My D2 A8 (2002 2.8 QS) has some wind noise around the A Pillar when I get to 70mph, not huge but annoying as the rest of the car is so quiet.

Also I do notice it as my S8 does not have the same problem and is overall quieter (S8 has double Glazing though so that will help).

The A8 is a 2002, 65k on the clock and very good condition. Doors and door cards never been off by the look of it also. The noise is coming from the top of the A pillar.

Now what I have done so far:

1) Frame looks to be lined up perfectly, door also lined up perfectly
2) I have compared and measured the A8 and S8 and all seems OK and match
3) I Gummy Pfledged all the rubber seals
4) I used silicone grease on all the rubber seals
5) I pulled the door in a little using the catch plate on the B Pillar
6) I replaced the door seal with a good used one from A8 Parts
7) I used some rubber tube under the door seal to try and push it out a little
8) I have tried taping round the window and windscreen to see if that made any difference also
9) I swore at it
10) All seals seem good, intact, in place and where they should be and all bolts and hinges good and tight

Any other thoughts?

I had a similar issue on an S8 on the autobahn. Much above 70mph and there was an awful wind noise.

Turned out one of the rubber seals on the door near the top of the A pillar wasn't sat quite right. Looked trivial, but I guess at 100mph + it makes a big resistance.

Pressed it back into place and all was silent.

So, look for something small, even slightly out of place, would be my advice.

Yes, double glazing helps. So does alcantara roof linings and non-20" wheels. Have all three of those and you'll wonder if you're actually moving.... :D

To follow this one up I managed to find a brand new on eBay Door seal in Platinum (4D0831722E7EM) which you do not seem to come up that often so just purchased it.

There is a Genuine Audi Parts seller that's got the odd new D2 part available which is handy so for £50 I thought let's try it. Fitted it and spent a lot of time making sure it was seated ok, lined up and where it should be.

Result - much improved and how I would expect it to be.

It's not as good as the double glazed S8 but respectable none the less, not 100% sure if the new part or the fitting solved it but we have an overall improvement. No doubt on 18" Wheels and a nice set of Michelins it would be even quieter than the current 20" and Pirellis!

I retrofitted double glazing and all the extra dies sound proofing on my 2.8 and results are a night and day difference.

Let me know if you ever need single pane parts as I have a garage full and you can have them for free :)