So this has been going on for a while now and I still don't know what it is. I really don't feel like putting it in a garage and have someone try to find it, all the while me paying $100/hour... So I'd like to put it to the knowers amongst us and see if anyone might have an idea.
After I back up and start going forward again I get a clunk from the front end somewhere. It's especially noticeable when I pull out of a drive way or parking spot. I back out while turning the wheel, and then pop it into 1st, turn the wheel the other way, start going forward and clunk. I'm not sure what it's affecting but it might be in the steering rack. There seems to be some play in my steering rack somewhere because I feel almost like a rattle somewhere when going over bumps on some days, and others not so much. I have to do some experimentation because I think, and this is just a thought, that if it doesn't do the clunk everything feels more solid, but if it does then after that I get that little bit of a rattle.
It's odd and I hope you guys could follow all that, but I want to figure this out.

Thanks everyone

 

i would check the suspension Links first. sounds like that might be your issue. Check uppers and Lowers ( four ball joints )
You do check the uppers the old fashion way, The lowers you'll need a pry bar or a pair of channel locks. to try and squeeze the lower ball joints. Any "play" means faulty

 

Hey thanks for the response but all my control arms are brand spankin new, I changed them about a month or two ago... it did it before and it's still doing it... I also changed the tie rods and lower sway bar links... this is why this is so damn confusing

 

Sounds like it could be your brake pads not sitting right in the slot. This can especially happen if you are using aftermarket pads... sometimes the quality control is not exactly to OEM specs.

If the pad is even a tiny bit smaller than the slot, then if you go forwards then backwards (or vice versa) and as you brake, the pad slips and "clunks" on the outer edges of the slot.

Also, just reading the part about the steering wheel.. if you turn the wheels while you are depressing the brake (like as you might do while getting out of a parking spot indicated in your message), then there is a bit of movement in your wheels and the same effect happens with the pad catching and clunking in your slot.

 

I have same problem with the clunk. I really think it is our wheel bearing. It is not a big problem but I want it fixed to prevent something bad later. It only pops once right? For me it is right after leaving my spot on the street. I turn the wheel to get around a car then center it and I get a pop. It is fine on the road and in turns. Keep this one posted on what you find out. I'd like to know what's up.

 

Couple of things that come to mind

1) Steering rack is shot
2) Strut mount is shot

 

I get the EXACT same problem as you!!! Only happens when i move my car after its been parked for a while. Only the one clicking noise once and move it for the first time after parking and it drives fine afterwards. Please let me know if you find out what causes it.

 

I hear the same sound in my '03 A4 1.8T TipTronic with Quattro AWD. I read somewhere on Audizine about a fellow who was hearing the same noise. One of the responses singled out the centre differential as the culprit. The post claimed that as the vehicle begins to move forward, the centre diff will 'lock', thus the sound. Think four-wheel drive pickups when switched to 4x4 on the fly. I could be terribly wrong of course, but it's something to think about.

 

LOL. I was just at my mechanic this AM regarding the exact same thing, in the exact same situations...
Thought control arms etc as well, but he said all is good?

Hope someone solves this mystery...

 

I have the same problem with my car B6 A4. I thought it was my brake pads...