[irelandbuyer]

John, thanks for posting up your findings.

I have a possibly similar issue. When the car is cold, the front is crunching. This goes away after I drive for a few miles. I read somewhere else that it's the bushings all right.

I had the car (D3 3.2fsi quattro) in with Audi for a few other things recently. They did a health check and recommended that the control arms and banana arms be replaced.

Here's the part numbers and prices:

Front suspension replacement control arms top £143.00 x2.
Bottom 224.00 x2 (per side) 4E0407505E, 4E0407693N.

Front suspension replacement banana arms £440.00 per side. 4E0 407 253Q


What's interesting is that the car flew through the MOT and my mechanic's view was that if there was a serious problem with the suspension, it wouldn't have passed...

Based on the OEM prices, we're looking at something in the order of c.£1500 to replace all the parts.

Would be great if you can keep us posted on how you get on. I'm wondering if just replacing the bushings should sort out this problem...

best regards.....