My 2001 A4 has rattle somewhere in the front when going from 60-90 km/h. When it
reaches 100 kmh, it stops. So, I did:
1. Tire rotation -->no help
2. Tire balancing --> no help

Before balancing, I was able to feel the rattle in the steering wheel as well as, I think, drive axles, both wheels are kind of rattling. After balancing, rattle still there, but not as much going through the steering column.

When balancing the tires, I tried 3 and 9 o'clock thing, didn't see any moves, although the rubber on one of the control arms seems like a bit detached.

Someone mentioned heat shield somewhere on the forums, but this doesn't sound like that. more like clunking. If the road is very, very smooth, then the rattle is a way less pronounced, almost zero.

What to check next?

 

were there any maintenance done before this rattling started?

 

No maintenance.

 

Hoist the vehicle and wobble each wheel vertically and again horizontally. Should become evident what part(s) are worn. There should be zero play and no audible clunking in any of the steering and suspension components.

 

Problem solved: it was the tie rod end.