Your Audi A4 Should Feel Smooth—Not Shaky
The Audi A4 is designed for precision handling, smooth cornering, and a refined driving experience. But when the suspension starts failing, that luxury ride turns into a nightmare. A clunk when you hit a bump. A steering wheel that doesn’t feel quite right. Tires that wear unevenly. These are all signs that something is off. And in South San Francisco, Daly City, and the surrounding areas, rough roads and stop-and-go traffic put even more stress on an already aging suspension system.
At Cowden Automotive in San Francisco, we see Audi A4 owners dealing with suspension issues that could have been prevented with early repairs. Here are the five most common problems—and why waiting will only make them worse.
1. Worn Control Arm Bushings—The Hidden Cause of Loose Steering
Your Audi A4 is designed to glide over the road, but if it starts to feel loose, unstable, or clunky, the problem often starts with worn control arm bushings. The 2009-2023 Audi A4 has a multi-link suspension system that relies on rubber bushings to keep everything tight and responsive. Over time, those bushings crack, dry out, and fail. When that happens, you’ll notice steering that feels disconnected, a front-end that wobbles at high speeds, or knocking noises when going over speed bumps. Ignoring this issue can lead to uneven tire wear and serious steering instability.
2. Leaking Struts and Worn Shocks—The Reason Your Ride Feels Rough
Your Audi A4 should feel controlled and balanced, but if it bounces excessively over dips, nose-dives when braking, or sways too much in turns, your shocks and struts are failing. The 2015-2023 Audi A4 is notorious for front strut leaks, which reduce damping ability and make the car feel unstable. If your Audi feels bouncier than usual or bottoms out over bumps, it’s time for an inspection. Worn shocks and struts don’t just make the ride rough—they also increase stopping distance and decrease handling performance.
3. Uneven Tire Wear—A Symptom of Suspension Damage
Your tires should wear evenly across their surface. If the inner edges are wearing faster than the rest, your suspension isn’t holding alignment properly. The 2012-2023 Audi A4 has been known for excessive negative camber, which causes aggressive tire wear on one side. This is often the result of worn ball joints, bent tie rods, or sagging control arms. Letting this problem go will force you to replace tires more often—and leave you with poor grip on the road.
4. Noisy Steering—A Sign Your Tie Rods or Steering Rack Are Failing
Steering should be silent, smooth, and precise. If you hear clicking, creaking, or knocking when turning the wheel, your tie rods or steering rack may be failing. The 2009-2023 Audi A4 is known for tie rod wear, which makes steering feel unpredictable and loose. Some drivers also experience hard steering at low speeds or a delay when turning. If your steering feels off, don’t ignore it—losing control of your Audi isn’t a risk worth taking.
5. Rear Suspension Noises—Creaking, Squeaking, and Knocking
The Audi A4 uses a multi-link rear suspension to improve handling, but over time, the bushings wear down. Many 2013-2023 Audi A4 owners report creaking or knocking noises from the rear when going over bumps. This is usually caused by rear suspension bushings drying out and cracking. If you notice your car making noise when turning or feel a sudden loss of rear-end stability, it’s time for an inspection. Waiting too long could lead to rear suspension failure, making your Audi unsafe to drive.
Your Audi A4 Deserves Better—Fix Suspension Issues Before They Get Worse
Your Audi wasn’t built for a rough ride. If your suspension is making noise, causing uneven tire wear, or making your steering feel off, it’s already failing. Small problems don’t stay small for long. A worn bushing today can turn into serious alignment issues next month. A failing tie rod can lead to total loss of steering control. A rough ride can ruin your tires and suspension components.
At Cowden Automotive in San Francisco, we diagnose and fix Audi A4 suspension issues before they leave you with an expensive repair bill. Whether you’re in South San Francisco, Daly City, or anywhere in the Bay Area, we’ll restore the smooth ride and precise handling your Audi was built for.
Call Cowden Automotive at (415) 777-9858 today. Your Audi A4’s suspension won’t fix itself—get it checked now.