Why does the Audi A4L make abnormal noises when passing over speed bumps?
3 Answers
The reasons for abnormal noises when the Audi A4L passes over speed bumps are as follows: Body noise: This issue is usually caused by insufficient body rigidity, leading to deformation of the vehicle while driving, resulting in friction or shaking between the doors and the frame, or friction between steel plates due to welding failures in certain areas. Applying adhesive strips on the doors and windows or placing rubber pads in the friction areas may reduce or eliminate the noise, but these are temporary fixes. Some vehicles have significant wind noise due to their design. If no additional items have been added, owners should not attempt to resolve it themselves. Additionally, loose body components can also cause abnormal noises, which can usually be fixed by tightening screws. Engine compartment noise: Some noise from engine vibration is normal, but certain unusual sounds may indicate potential faults. For example, a sharp belt squealing sound is usually caused by belt slippage; a sharp metallic sound during engine operation is often due to damaged bearings in the generator, water pump, or power steering pump; if there is a hissing sound from the engine, it may be due to a blocked exhaust system, vacuum tube leakage, or breakage. If there are abnormal noises inside the engine, these are usually major faults, and the vehicle should be sent for inspection and repair as soon as possible. Tire noise: Tire noise is rhythmic, and the frequency increases with speed. A dull "thumping" sound is often caused by deformed, bulging, severely worn, or underinflated tires; a "clicking" sound may indicate small stones stuck in the tire tread. If the tire makes a roaring sound and the body noticeably shakes or the vehicle pulls to one side, it is likely a tire blowout, and the tire should be changed immediately.
After driving for a long time, I've gained some experience with the abnormal noise from the shock absorbers of the Audi A4L when going over speed bumps. Usually, this sound is a creaking or rumbling noise, mostly caused by the aging and cracking of the rubber bushings at the top of the shock absorbers. Over time, they become stiff and produce friction sounds when passing over speed bumps. It could also be due to oil leakage from the internal oil seals of the shock absorbers, leading to malfunction. If the control arms or stabilizer bar ball joints in the suspension system are loose or worn, they can also transmit noise. It's important to get it checked as soon as possible. Last time, I briefly checked if the screws around the tires were loose. When the problem wasn't resolved, I went to the repair shop to replace the parts, which cost a few hundred dollars to fix, avoiding minor issues turning into major repairs. During regular maintenance, have the technician check the lifespan of the suspension rubber components to prevent abnormal noises in advance, as driving stability is crucial for safety.
My A4L has been in use for several years, and I keep hearing squeaking noises from the suspension when going over speed bumps, which is really annoying. It could be due to worn or cracked rubber bushings, especially more noticeable in winter when the material contracts in the cold, increasing friction. Another possibility is internal leakage in the shock absorber, with little oil left, causing poor operation. Loose suspension linkage parts, such as ball joints, are also common. A simple solution is to first check if the screws near the tires are tight, then find a flat road and gently press down on the rear of the car to test the feel. If the noise persists, go to a professional shop for inspection immediately. Don’t ignore it, as issues with the suspension system could be unsafe at high speeds. Spending money on repairs now is better than dealing with major problems later.
