Popping noise in the front axle on both sides - possibly driveshafts?

Hello,

'I've been experiencing increasingly loud popping or cracking noises on the front axle of my Audi A4 Avant 8e, manufactured in October 2004, with a mileage of 142,000 km.'

The cracking sound occurs when starting with the wheels turned, when steering at low speeds, and when braking regardless of the steering angle (with a short brake application and the clutch disengaged).
Normal suspension articulation on uneven road surfaces does not produce any noise, and there is no noticeable play in the steering.

'The noise has been increasing lately. The mechanic suspects worn constant velocity joints, but I'm surprised that it also occurs when braking with the engine disengaged (which relieves the drivetrain). ' Or does high wear and tear also contribute to this?



Thank you in advance.
Greetings.
Jean.

hi...

Well, I find the mileage to be quite strange. Check the shock absorbers, stabilizer, etc.
Unfortunately, I'm not very knowledgeable about your model, but I'm sure someone else will be able to help.
But engines at 142,000 km

Please describe the cracking sound. Does it happen only once?

Thank you for the quick response.

Just a quick note: the original Audi Sport suspension is installed.

It only makes a brief, intermittent cracking sound, 'crack-crack-crack,' but always under the described conditions. It's not a constant noise, and there's no squeaking, rattling, or clunking. It can be heard inside, but it's even more noticeable from the outside.

More like when something gives way under tension.

The cracking sound has been occurring for about 30,000 kilometers. Initially, I thought it was just a dry bushing or something similar, but as I said, it has been getting increasingly louder in recent months. From my perspective, worn constant velocity joints are also unlikely, as the noises occur even when the drive system is unloaded.

I know it's difficult to pinpoint the cause of a problem based on a described noise, and I'm also trying to avoid the expensive replacement of the drive shafts if they turn out not to be the cause.

Greetings.
Jean.

Does this happen when you're turning, even without actually hitting anything?

Please check the lower control arm and guide rod of the wheel suspension. I had a similar noise on my Passat.
If, as is usually the case, the wheel on the stage was wobbling back and forth, it was impossible to detect any manipulation. If someone pulled the front wheel forward in the direction of travel, a noticeable amount of play could be seen in a ball joint from below.