Groan from bulkhead steering suspension?

[cals2]

This is a good one. So to start with I had a noise from the near side which sounded like the inner wishbone bushes. So when polybushing wishbones my mechanic found a leaking strut and rustyish top mounts (rosejointed ones). So with new Spax and new standard top mounts with new nuts we still have this groan. It is louder inside than outside. Disconnect steering rack still same, replace one nearly seized track rod end same noise. Remove anti roll bar and drop links still same. So bite the bullet and polybush subframe. Guess what still the same. The noise comes from the bulkhead area and is louder inside the car. You can get it to do it move car forward once but noy a second time. same happens in reverse, drive on a smooth road and it drives fine. But it is one of those disconcerting noises which you think 'This is Dangerous'. It is more of a crack sort of noise the ones where the chassis leg is cracked but it isn't that. So any suggestions would be appreciated other than sell the car. Thanks in advance.

[bluequattro]

Anything catching steering column?
When you write disconnect the rack do you mean the powered side or from the suspension?
My Tdi groaned on corner when a mechanic kinked the low pressure return to the reservoir.
Groan went afterwards.
Does it happen when depressing clutch or braking or just turning?

[Rikki Kitto]

I've got a similar noise going on with mine too, changing the top mounts next week. Mine sounds like maybe one of the springs is turning in the top mount and getting a knocking sound which I think is defo the top mount I'll let ya know what happens when we change it

[cals2]

Suspension steering? groan

Thanks for the replies.The steering rack was disconnected from the track rods, so its not the power steering. It can happen setting off either in forward or reverse and does it a bit when stationary moving steering.

[Error404]

What car is it?
Can you describe the sound bit better and what triggers it?
I.e. Is it the steering that triggers it? Does it do it with the car stationary and idling? Does it do it with the engine off?

[purplelion77]

Thanks for the replies.The steering rack was disconnected from the track rods, so its not the power steering. It can happen setting off either in forward or reverse and does it a bit when stationary moving steering.

I may be wrong but I don't think that the fact the rack didn't make that noise when you disconnected it actually means that that rack is OK, because it worked without load. Especially since you've tried everything else without having any effect on this.

[cals2]

car is S2 coupe ABY 1994

Hi thanks for the replies. car is S2 Coupe ABY 1994.
Regards noise it is a groan/creak just on seting off either in forward or reverse. Also when stopping from a slow speed either in forward or reverse. Stationary similar when turning steering wheel. When track rods disconected from rack but still connected to each other in the centre it still does it forwards or in reverse but not when turning steering. Hope this is a bit clearer.
Thanks

[Error404]

OK cool, so I would say you can rule out the rack in that case, and also confirm that it is affected by the steering.
Have you checked the steering yoke, that the track rods bolt to for cracks?
Is the strut brace tight?
Are the springs seated correctly?
Have you checked the springs for cracks?
Are the lower ball joint bolts & tie rod bolts tight?

[rj scotty]

Mine may do the same as yours.

example;
You drive along and pull up to parallel park in a space. As you slow to a stop you semi dry steer and get a loud groan/creak?

If this is what you have I would not worry mine has done this since 2006. With the exception of the steering rack/damper I have replaced everything and never found what causes it and neither has it caused any problems.

My spec up front:
H&R springs
Koni dampers
Pro mount top mounts
poly wishbone bushes
Solid subframe mounts

Next time I'm out ill try to replicate and record it

[cals2]

groan

Hi thanks for the replies again.
Checked all the items you listed all ok.
The noise is just disconcerting.
Plus the steering damper has been removed and its still the same.
It originally had rose jointed top mounts Audi parts but not available now these were replaced with the uprated blue ones. BUT there wasn't any retaining nuts on the strut so spring compressor had to be used to get leg off. Not as per workshop manual. The rose jointed mounts had an alloy 'top hat' sleeve insert. The only retaining nut was the top hex nut retaining the inverted steel top hat as seen from under bonnet. Was this mount original or had it been modified from another Audi? So the struts currently have New Spax new top mount and new retaining nuts (the threaded sleeves). Should there be any spacers or such like? Hope you can understand my description. Cheers

[Veg]

Off the wall suggestion depending on what the noise is.

In my Mercedes I had a loud crack, crack at low speed when parking. Happened in reverse, once, and once when moving forward. Sounded like metal on metal as if suspension arms were banging together. The Merc has Brembo brakes very similar, if not identical to an RS2.

Turned out that the pads stuck on dirt build up and when I applied pressure they needed force to overcome the friction and clunked against the disc. Two clunks as either side had different amounts of dirt build up. I cleaned the brakes and it went but came back once dirt built up. Long shot and depends on your brakes but worth a go!

[cals2]

Groan poss top mounts?

Hi everyone thanks for the replies. Back off holiday now going to try the old rosejointed top mounts back, see if that makes any difference. The mounts have are Audi parts and have an Audi No but of course Audi have no ref. They are with the car at pres will post some pics and the number see if anyone knows about them.

[UrS4boy]

I had a nasty groan from the steering on my 94 UrS4 V8 avant. Turned out to be the steering damper.

[cals2]

Groan

Hi thanks for the reply. The steering damper is disconnected at pres. Had an URS4 myself with the AAN engine, think the v8s were only LHD. They used an URS4 V8 avant as a Doctors car for the BTCC in their day. Always wanted one. Cheers