I recently purchaed a 99 A4 2.8. Anytime I'm driving as slow speeds (25mph and slower) I hear "clunks" from the front on both sides. This usuall happens when I press the break and hit bumps/potholes in the road. When the road is smooth and I hit the breaks, I still hear some sounds coming from the suspension.

I brought it to a shop and hte mechanic said it is becuase the front shocks are aftermarket. I find it hard to believe that is the case. Has anyone had this issue? Its very annoying when driving in traffic. Any ideas?

 

It's probably your upper control arms. Jack up the front and try moving each of the front wheels from side to side and look to see if any ball joints are loose/broken where they connect to the arm.

 

^ Yes. Check your control arm boots and bushings including sway bar links.
Make sure your caliper retaining clips (outisde of caliper) are in place.

I doubt your shocks are the problem as well.

 

It really gets old hearing mechanics and dealerships blaming problems on aftermarket parts...seriously. If I have to go to another mechanic and hear them say I'm going to blow my motor because I have an evil horrible vile (get ready) boost controller, I'm gonna lose it. I swear this happened: my buddy took his car to the dealership cause there was something wrong with the cooling system in his car. The mechanic actually told him that because his car was low to the ground, there wasn't sufficient air flow to the bottom of the car which is a cause in his overheating....******* really?

 

When the shop did this, the wheel did wiggle a tiny bit but they said it was safe. When I initially go my car pre-inspected, that shop said the tie rods have a small amount of play and the sway bar bushings could be worn.

I've never really looked at repairing suspension before. How can I determine what is loose or worn?