54 messages,
Last post on Sep 29, 2011 at 2:46 PM
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Audi A3 Maintenance & Repair Forum.
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Audi A3, Suspension, Sedan, Wagon
#45 of 54 Re: Suspension/Ride issues [callmecrazy]
by audia3bear
Jun 05, 2009 (7:07 am)
hey everyone, i'm new to the thread but have been suffering the cupping issue on my 2006 A3. Multiple mechanics have told me that cupping is a suspension issue as you all have mentioned, but that the suspension is operating fine on the car. What they're concluding is that the car is too light for the suspension system that Audi has chosen to install on the vehicle (probably the same equipment they use on heavier models like A4, etc). . .so, I filed a complaint at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm. . .I encourage everyone to do the same in hopes of getting a recall ordered and this issue remedied.
#46 of 54 Re: Suspension/Ride issues [audia3bear]
by arejohn
Jul 27, 2009 (9:07 pm)
It's not cupping, it's feathering. Early 350z had it on front BS tires. Nissan modified the front toe spec and BS modified tire tread edge pattern. Nissan released TSB and paid for tires and alignment.
#47 of 54 Re: Suspension/Ride issues [audia3bear]
by txf70
Oct 05, 2009 (9:29 am)
I have a 2008 A3 S-line Sportback, 2.0T... Since I bought it in Feb 08, I have noticed what is like a small "wobble" feeling which I would feel in the seat and floorboard. I have taken it to dealers constantly and 1 mechanic acknowledged feeling it as well, but had no idea what it was other than maybe the tire pressure. How can you tell if your car tires are "cupping"?
To try to explain the problem better, imagine feeling a continual and rhythmic "bump" alternating from right to left even on smooth roads, and it continues up until around 50 MPH where I no longer notice it (or when making turns). If anyone has a similar problem or idea, please share.
BTW, unfortunately, I am in Italy driving a US Spec car and finding a helpful dealer/mechanic is a nightmare.
#48 of 54 Re: Suspension/Ride issues [txf70]
by audia3bear
Oct 08, 2009 (2:01 pm)
The tires will be warped and unevenly worn. If you can go to a tire center (like sears in the US) they can check the tires, and also check your alignment (rear and front) and determine what the cause is. In my case it was alignment being off in front and rear. You will need new tires but the problem should not continue.
#49 of 54 Re: Can't just be the tires, Can it? [donthegreek]
by aattard
Dec 28, 2009 (1:04 pm)
Don, I have the same problem with my 2008 A3. My A3 has P6 on it. They are noisy to the point replacing them. However, I was talking to my mechanic friend and he told me that the rear-end of the A3 toe-in is not adjustable. He said that the problem is due to much toe-in and camber settings. Have you or anyone heard anything about this? Also, I looking for a workshop manual for eh car, paper copy or electronic copy.
Tony---2008, A3
#50 of 54 Re: Suspension/Ride issues by mnooch [shipo]
by aattard
Dec 28, 2009 (1:10 pm)
Shipo, I know I am replying to an old posting. But do you know if the A3 S-line rear suspension is fully adjustable? i.e., Toe-in, camber, custer, etc?
Tony
#51 of 54 Re: Suspension/Ride issues [callmecrazy]
by aattard
Mar 13, 2010 (12:15 pm)
Larry, did you confirm the suspension setting issue with the A3. I have heard the same thing from another Audi mechanic. If the rear suspension is non-adjustable, (toe-in, caster, and camber, etc.), I do not see how another set of tires is going to fix the problem. Someone, please respond. I cannot stand the the noise any more. Thanks abunch in advance.
Tony
#52 of 54 Re: Suspension/Ride issues [aattard]
by madturtle
Sep 27, 2011 (7:18 am)
I have a 2008 A3 sLine. Lots of road noise. Was just told by the dealer that the issue is due to feathering on the tires and that the A3 is prone to it. My Toyo Proxies 4 are virtually new and have been ruined.
Can anyone advise regarding the question of suspension adjustment or modification to alleviate this issue?
#53 of 54 Re: Suspension/Ride issues [madturtle]
by MrShift@Edmunds HOST
Sep 27, 2011 (7:39 am)
Yep, feathering would certainly make a tire noisy. Some tires seem more prone to this than others.
The common cause is incorrect toe-in (alignment problem). it's also possible that there is some worn front suspension bushing causing things to shift around.
#54 of 54 What would /might cause Suspension noise..
by andres3
Sep 29, 2011 (2:46 pm)
while coming to a stop from almost a dead stop. You know that last second where the car goes from 1 to 0 MPH and the weight transfers and the car bobs a tid bit. I'm hearing noise now where once there was no audible noise.