Diagnose suspension noise Audi Q5

Diagnosing Suspension Noise on Audi Q5 (8R: 2008-2017)

Tools Required

• Floor jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Torque wrench
• Flashlight
• Pry bar
• Rubber mallet
• Stethoscope or mechanic's listening device (optional)

1. Preliminary Inspection

1. Visual Check:

   • Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
   • Inspect the tires for unusual wear patterns that might indicate suspension issues.
   • Use a flashlight to visually inspect the suspension components for visible damage or wear, such as torn bushings or leaking shock absorbers.

2. Bounce Test:

   • Press down firmly on each corner of the vehicle and release.
   • Observe how the vehicle rebounds. It should return to its original position quickly without excessive bouncing (more than 1-2 rebounds).

2. Component Inspection

1. Lift the Vehicle:

   • Safely lift the vehicle using a floor jack and secure it on jack stands.
   • Remove the wheels using a lug wrench to expose the suspension components.

2. Check Shock Absorbers/Struts:

   • Inspect for oil leaks, dents, or other damage.
   • Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the shock absorber. Listen for any internal rattling that indicates a failed shock.

3. Examine Control Arm Bushings:

   • Use a pry bar to apply force to the control arms and check for excessive play or movement in the bushings.
   • Look for cracks, tears, or worn-out rubber.

4. Inspect Ball Joints:

   • With the wheel off the ground, grasp the tire at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions and rock it back and forth.
   • Listen and feel for any play or knocking noise, indicating a worn ball joint.

5. Check Sway Bar Links:

   • Inspect the sway bar end links for play or movement by trying to move them by hand.
   • Look for worn or damaged bushings.

6. Steering Components:

   • Inspect tie rod ends for play by rocking the wheel side to side (3 and 9 o'clock positions).
   • Look for damaged or worn boots and joints.

3. Noise Isolation

1. Road Test with Stethoscope:
   • If the noise persists, have an assistant drive the vehicle while you use a mechanic's stethoscope to isolate the noise source from inside the cabin.
   • Focus on the specific areas of the suspension that you suspect.

Repair Instructions

1. Replace Damaged Components

• Shock Absorbers/Struts:

  1. Remove the mounting bolts at the top and bottom of the shock/strut.
  2. Replace with new components and torque to manufacturer specifications.

• Control Arm Bushings:

  1. Remove the control arm from the vehicle.
  2. Press out old bushings using a hydraulic press and replace with new ones.
  3. Reinstall the control arm and torque bolts to specification.

• Ball Joints:

  1. Use a ball joint press to remove the old joint.
  2. Install a new ball joint and ensure it is properly seated.

• Sway Bar Links:

  1. Remove the bolts connecting the sway bar link to the suspension.
  2. Replace with new links and tighten bolts to specification.

• Tie Rod Ends:

  1. Loosen the lock nut and remove the tie rod end.
  2. Install a new tie rod end and align to original position.
  3. Torque to specification and ensure alignment is checked.

Final Steps

1. Reinstall Wheels:

   • Mount the wheels back onto the vehicle and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.

2. Lower the Vehicle:

   • Carefully remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground.

3. Post-Repair Test:

   • Conduct a road test to ensure the noise has been resolved and the handling is stable.
   • Verify the vehicle's alignment if any steering or suspension components were replaced.

By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the suspension noise issue on an Audi Q5 (8R: 2008-2017).