Audi 100 200 Strut Mounts

[randall977]

I've got some knocking through the steering column when I go over any bumps. So far I have replaced the anti-roll bushes (including the end bushes) but still there's knocking. I put it into the garage and they said they couldn't feel any play in the top mounts. Could they be wrong or could there be another cause of this type of vibration - the shock bearing - sub frame mounts???

This is the setup:

Front-Shock.jpg

[one trick phoney]

where did you get the anti - roll bar bushes? - not been able to source one (oem) to date.
Have you changed the track controll arms - could be the ball joint or the inner bush.

There's not much to the top mounts to knock.

[randall977]

Track rod ends are my next port of call - funnily enough I have genuine replacements for both sides - ebay £10! The inner arm bushes seemed fairly solid but I surpose under stress may be playing up. I got the antiroll bar bushes from the USA - genuine parts - lucky find. The old ones look a bit squashed but I think they were actually okay as it feels just the same - do you want them? Your's are okay anyhow aren't they? I'm planning to do a total suspension overhall including the subframe - this is motivated by the 2 rear shocks I got off eBay for £4.99 last week - bargain! May need some info off you at some point if that's okay...

[one trick phoney]

I think the ARB's are okay on mine - proabaly as yours were/are. The inner bushes seemed okay to me too - when you get the old TCA's off though you'll probably see that the eye of the bush is bent/stretched off centre. I would still suspect the ball joints.

Happy to pass on any experience I gain on the suspension front.

PS got to sort out a sticking os rear caliper this weekend - hoping its the handbrake mech - any tips?

[randall977]

Sticking rear caliper...which one? I didn't have a problem with them but I know the system intimately and the sides differ quite a bit handbrake wise... Please notice the four new rear brake hoses - genuine Audi (£50) and very tricky to put on!

[one trick phoney]

Its the drivers side - as it happens I got some genuine discs (NOS) on ebay a couple of weeks back so might well stick em on while I'm rooting around.

[randall977]

It's probably the handbrake mechanism - it's unique to the type 43 200...

[randall977]

Btw I replaced the ball joint bushes - they were okay actually (I assume you mean the two bushes at the end of the anti roll bar?). I might just buy some new control arms off eBay - not sure if they differ from year to year though - they look the same on the later 100's...

[one trick phoney]

The ball joint is at the end of the Track Control Arm - where it joins the leg/strut. I'd check that for movement and any tears in the rubber.

[randall977]

I see - yes there was a tear in the rubber on the O/S so I put a new boot on it - it felt pretty tight - not sure about the N/S. Thanks for the advice - time for a strip down!