RS2 Knocking From Front

[nothctap]

Hi all,

I'm picking up an RS2 that I've put a deposit on in the next few weeks. When I went to see it there was a knocking coming from the front of the car that the owner agreed to have sorted before I collect the car.

It's been to the garage and they can't seem to locate the cause of the noise which is a bit concerning. I know that the front suspension top mounts and anti-roll bar drop links have been replaced. It makes the knock when going over bumps and taking up drive.

The garage that looked at it suggested it could be where the car was once lowered and then returned to stock springs but I fail to see how this could have anything to do with a knocking. They also want the current owner to take it back and leave the car with them so that they can take the whole front suspension assembly apart so that they can grease and oil everything. Again, I don't see how this will help as surely a knocking noise is caused by something damaged, broken or loose.

Any help or ideas would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[BRY]

Could be: Engine mount, subframe mount, gearbox mount.
Cheap drop links may be shot already, likewise with pattern topmounts.
I wouldn't let that garage do the work as they are obviously clueless to the exact cause and just coming up with excuses to get an RS2 for the week.

[alg]

topmounts or front dampers which gave the same noise with mine

[nothctap]

Cheers for the suggestions guys. I thought the same thing about the garage. I'm pretty good knowing my way round a car but I'm no mechanic. Logic tells me it's got to be a shot bush or mount of some description! I'll let the current owner know about your suggestions and hopefully it will be something quite simple to fix.

[Jamo]

Add ball joints and wishbone bushes to the list.

[maRS2]

Mine do the same I have change everything topmont, damper bushes, antiroll bar link, ball joint......
Still this clunck noise so the last one's on the list are Engine mount and gearbox mount.

[alg]

Add ball joints and wishbone bushes to the list.

Too right, mine knocked over speed bumps when purchased. Replacement front dampers (leaking) & topmounts sorted. Then last year the ride deterioated dramatically over broken surfaces (i.e. all Edinburgh roads) & new balljoints sorted

[johne]

...........and look at the bolts holding the wishbone bushes to the subframe. The OE Audi ones are a waisted stretch bolt design and allow the bushes to move once greased or allowed to work loose. I've replaced all mine with standard M10 x 75 bolts and my knocking under similar circumstances has gone.

[Greg_S]

Also it may be that the springs aren't seated properly and are causing the knocking

[macspring]

Good Posts

After reading the problem, the reply posts are spot on. Definitely in respect of the garage.

Hopefully it's an easy cure.

Depending on the condition of all of the items mentioned, you might be as well (quicker) to replace all of them anyway, but obviously depends on your budget, I'm assuming the car is a keeper for at least two/three year?

Replacing all especially in the front suspension will most lightly tighten the car up and allow it to handle corners and speed bumps with less of a loose old car feel.

Mine was cracking me up and it turned out to be a loose screw down cap on the top of the passenger side front strut. Never tightened properly when the strut insert was replaced. Was a very small item, but it transformed the car for me with the silence and tightness.

Ask if another member will drive it, if they live near to you, assuming you go ahead with the purchase? They may be familiar with such noises. They'll be familiar with the bottomless pit bit of it anyway!

Best of luck with it, I'm sure if it is an otherwise nice RS2 it will be worth buying and sorting the problem, regardless of if the buyer does or does not discount the purchase price. It'll be a good bargaining point?

Post the cause in due course?

Kind regards.

[nothctap]

Thanks to all you guys for your input into this thread. I've let the owner know about this thread and all your suggestions and he's got the car going to another garage and a guy who's an ex-VAG mechanic will be looking at the car and it should all be done by mid next week.

@ Dave - I'll definately be keeping the car for a long time to come and will probably get all bushes etc renewed over the first few months of ownership!

It's certainly a beautiful RS2 and I'll post pictures up once I've collected her. I can't wait until that day comes... I've been dreaming of owning one for about 10 years now and that day is hopefully only just over a week away!

I'll keep you posted as to what the problem was, it'll be interesting to find out as there have been a lot if possible solutions!

Thanks again!