Hello everyone,


I am a new member and a new Audi owner. I recently bought a 1997 A4 1.8T. I noticed a noise coming from the rear suspension when I was driving with passengers in the rear; the sound came from both sides of the car. I brought it home and jacked it up and saw something that really has me confused. To me it look like a rear "control arm" was installed upside down and backwards. Has anyone encountered anything like this before? I'm sure that I am calling the part by the wrong name as well too. If anyone could share the proper name of the part that would be a great help as well. I will try to attach a photo of the part in question.


Thank you

 

I'm sorry I should of said that the noise was being generated by the axle rubbing on the "control arm". in the picture you can see that it has created a half moon cut out on the arm.


Thanks again

 

That's clearly put together wrong.

I can't give you a definitive answer, as I have a FWD, but for now, you can spray any friction points with Dupont Teflon dry lube (or equivalent - I.E. WD40).

Here is the official parts diagram. See if it helps you figure out your issue:

LOWER CONTROL ARM. REAR AXLE. STABILIZER BAR. SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. UPPER CONTROL ARM.. Fits: 1997 Audi A4 Base Quattro 1.8L M/T | Audi of America, Inc.

G/L

 

Thanks for the response and the diagram. I did some research of my own too and found that someone installed the rear swaybar end links backwards. So I have ordered new ones and will be installing them correctly soon.

Thanks again for the help.