Crunching sound from suspension when going over bumps
 

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum.

Ref 2005 A8 D3 SE

I've noticed recently that I'm hearing a crunching sound from my front suspension when going over and dropping down off speed bumps. I also get this sound when going over potholes and minor bumps in the road. I've been told it may be my main shock absorbers. What do you all think.
Thanks

Welcome +++

If it's a creaking sound which goes away a bit when everything has warmed up then it's likely to be worn anti-roll bar bushes.

Whats the mileage?
Its a bit hard to say without some further tests/inspection but you can try bouncing each wing by hand to see if its just one side or both. And even then thats not necessarily going to tell you definitively. If you can get it on ramps you can check the state of the suspension/ARB bushes if you know what you are looking for. If you can lift it off the wheels on a 2 post lift then you can give the suspension arms etc a good wrenching around to find out if bushes are worn.
Was the suggestion of shocks from a garage after an inspection or was it someone elses opinion on the noise after hearing it or you telling them about it?

I agree, anti-rollbar bushes. Seems to be a design fault. Had a new ARB fitted by Audi and only lasted one winter before crunching again in cold damp weather like we have now. Next time I replace the drop links, will be a good oppurtunity to superglue the rubber bushes to the bar.

Unsure how to reply to each person. (Sorry the forum concept is new to me)
 

Thanks for the reply and advice everyone.

Conquistador
Unfortunately no it's actually all the time from start to finish. Car can be cold/warm it's a constant crunching sound that's only heard on bumps/ speed humps.

David's8
The milage is approximately 192k but has been well looked after. I'm due to take it into my garage today. Their pretty good and have dealt with every car I've had. I'll defo ask them to look at the ARB to see if that's the problem. Yeah initially I told someone about it and they suggested it may be my shocks.

Snapdragon
It's great to see that all of you have suggested the exact same thing being the ARB. In that instance I know if that's the problem, I can grab a good set off ebay for a good price.

I'll update you all on the problem when I find out.
Thanks for all the help.

If someone disconnects the anti-rollbar drop links, you can freely move the roll bar up and down with your hand and feel/hear the same noise.
I lubricated mine with silicone spray but it only lasted a few months.
The bushes are not availabe from Audi as a sperate part, but if you can get after-market ones, I think you can replace them but not 100% sure.
http://www.mister-auto.co.uk/en/bush...7920_g331.html

Diagnosis
 

Snapdragon
Thanks for the additional info.

It was definitely the bushes on both sides. Been told it's best to replace them as they take alot of stress. Just waiting for their price before I jump on eBay. They're pretty good as they'll fit anything that I buy from a different source like eBay etc.

Might take this opportunity to also look at getting some lowering links installed.

Thanks to you all for being welcoming and helping me out.

Check that the wheel arch liners are in correctly and secured on the side making the noises as well, and that the undertray is not rubbing anywhere, its not unheard of for either to rub as the car moves over speed bumps and cause a noise +++

Thanks Architex_mA8tey I'll get them to look into that also.

I'd start with the C shaped drop links which can be changed on your driveway handy enough.