I noticed a new rattling noise and it sounds like its coming from my brakes and or tires. At first, the noise was there when driving slow regardless of using the breaks but now I hear it mostly when applying the breaks. I thought it might me ice stuck in the wheel but I park in a heated garage and washed the car and the noise is still happening. I bought the car used from Marks Motors Audi Dealership in Ottawa and have only driving 10,000km. I had an oil consumption problem, sun roof failure and a few other things and now it I think my breaks are going. Any ideas?

 

Hi Rahim,

I'd suggest you isolate which wheel, or wheels, the noise is coming from and do a visual inspection. Check to make sure your wheel lug nuts are tight, jack up your car and check the wheel for play by grabbing the tire on either side, and see if it can be rocked back and forth, repeat grabbing the top and bottom. This would check for a loose wheel or worn wheel bearing, respectively. If that is fine, take the wheel off and look for anything loose around the brakes. It could be something as simple as a rusted loose splashguard, a spring clip for the brakes missing (I'm speaking in general as I am not familiar with '10 A4 brakes), etc. If this is something you are not comfortable with, or equipped to do, have it inspected at a garage.

Is the noise a random rattling, or is it a rotational sound that is based on the rotational speed of the wheel?

Paul

 

Hi Paul,thanks for the reply. I am not great with cars so I am taking it to the dealership to have it looked at. The noise always comes on when applying the breaks and only just before coming to a complete stop. Initially, I could hear it when driving at low speeds but now its just at the end of stopping.

 

A worn out ball joint could be another culprit. Good luck.