Front axle joints: Seal boots, checking play and secure fit.

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 14 other vehicles, including the 2009 Audi S4, 2009 Audi A4, 2008 Audi S4, 2008 Audi RS 4, and 2008 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Perform this test with vehicle on lift (wheels hanging freely).

Tie rod ends

Check play by moving tie rods and wheels.

You should not feel or see any play.

Check all around ball joint boots - arrow - for damage and correct seating. Use a mirror, if necessary.

Ball joint boots can usually be recognized by leaking lubrication.

Fig 1: Identifying Lock Nut

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Make sure lock nut - 1 - is tightened to 40 Nm.

All control arms

Fig 2: Identifying Ball Joint Boots

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Check all around ball joint boots - arrows - for damage and correct seating. Use a mirror, if necessary.

Ball joint boots can usually be recognized by leaking lubrication.
You should not feel or see any play.

Control arm

Fig 3: Identifying Bearing Housing And Control Arm

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

With unloaded wheels, check relative movement of wheel bearing housing to control arm.
By raising and lowering the wheels several times by hand - arrow - the relative movement between wheel bearing housing and control arm can be observed.
If relative movement when lifting or lowering gives evidence of play that can be felt or seen, control arm must be replaced.

Drive shaft boot

Check all around interior and exterior drive shaft boot for damage and correct seating. Turn wheel, if necessary.

By turning the front wheels, tears can be found in their early stages.
Drive shaft boot damage can usually be recognized by leaking lubrication.