Audi 80 B4: Jerking When Starting - Fix!

Hello everyone,

"Whenever I start my Audi, I always hear and feel a distinct impact on the front axle. What could this be? Am I just dealing with completely worn-out control arms, or is it possibly something else (based on experience)? The car is from 1994 and has 173,000 kilometers on the clock."

Thank you and best regards.
Tino.

It could be various things (e.g., ball joint, control arm bushing, driveshaft joint, etc.), but it's relatively easy to find out. If you're not able to diagnose it yourself, I recommend getting a free suspension test at a major chain store (although I'm not a big fan of those). I wouldn't recommend continuing to drive like this for much longer, due to safety concerns and the potential for premature tire wear.

"Engine mount? Get a second person to help, engage the handbrake, put the car in gear, gently release the clutch, and see how much the engine moves!"

Oh yeah, I completely forgot. I had that problem too. It would happen in both first gear and reverse, depending on which side the bearing was damaged. In my case, the engine "kicked up."

"When the engine moves in first gear, it's usually at the front, but in my case, it was a bearing in the transmission (at the rear). This only happened when I drove in reverse and then forward. When reversing, the engine lifted slightly (though not really noticeable, just visible), and when driving forward, it would suddenly snap back into place. The engine movement was about 2 cm and was visible under the raised hood."

Mr. Antje.

The B4 has a longitudinal engine, so it will lift up on the left side.

m;

Strut mount bushings are very likely to be worn on the B4.