A clattering noise from the suspension of your Audi A5 often points to worn control arms and bushes. This problem is common on models from 2007 onwards, especially after 80,000 kilometres. Worn suspension components lead to vibrations, uneven tyre wear and unsafe handling. Find out why these issues occur and what you can do about them.
why is the suspension on my Audi A5 banging
Most clattering noises on the Audi A5 come from the front axle and are caused by wear to the control arms and their bushes. When it comes to car issues on the Audi A5, suspension complaints are at the top of the list. The polyurethane bushes in the control arms are harder than standard rubber, which provides better road holding. The downside is that these bushes crack more quickly under intensive use.
The A5’s quattro drive puts extra load on the front suspension. This speeds up wear of suspension rubbers and control arm bushes. On convertible models, the extra weight of the roof mechanism adds even more stress to the rear suspension. Owners mainly report problems after 5 to 7 years of use, with peaks among sporty drivers and in areas with poor road surfaces.
Do you recognise these symptoms?
- Banging or clattering noise at low speeds or over bumps
- Vibrations in the steering wheel above 100 kilometres per hour
- Uneven tyre wear on the inside of the tyre
- Floating or vague feel in the steering behaviour
‘ Don’t let this go on for too long, because driving on with worn control arms leads to more expensive damage to ball joints and differential mountings. ’
When should you replace the control arms
Replace control arms if you measure more than 5 millimetres of play. Jack up your A5 and shake the control arms back and forth. If you feel noticeable movement, they need replacing. Use a headlamp to spot small cracks in the bushes. Don’t let this go on for too long, because driving on with worn control arms leads to more expensive damage to ball joints and differential mountings.
The typical lifespan of front control arms is between 80,000 and 120,000 kilometres. Rear control arms last longer, usually up to 150,000 kilometres. On quattro models you should also check the differential mounting, as this is often a related problem. Always replace control arms in pairs for a good balance in handling.
When replacing, choose OEM parts or quality alternatives such as Lemförder or Febi. These brands will last at least 50,000 kilometres. When fitting, pay attention to the correct tightening torque of the bolts: 120 Nm plus 90 degrees. This specification is important for safe fastening and prevents loosening while driving.
How much does it cost to fix suspension problems
The cost of replacing suspension components on the Audi A5 varies per part and version. Front control arms cost between 400 and 800 euros for a set. Rear control arms are a bit cheaper, with prices between 300 and 600 euros. Replacing shock absorbers costs between 800 and 1,200 euros, depending on the brand chosen.
Many owners save money by only replacing the bushes instead of the complete control arms. This costs around 200 euros and can save up to 50 percent on repair costs. After this repair, owners say the A5 feels like new again, with sharp steering response and stable road holding.
| Component | Lifespan | Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Front control arms | 80,000-120,000 km | €400-€800 |
| Rear control arms | 100,000-150,000 km | €300-€600 |
| Shock absorbers | 100,000 km | €800-€1200 |
| Suspension bushes | 50,000-80,000 km | €150-€300 |
Common complaints with the A5 Sportback
The A5 Sportback often gets complaints about vibrations in the steering wheel at motorway speeds. This is caused by worn control arm bushes or ball joints. Owners report that these vibrations become noticeable from 100 kilometres per hour and, if ignored, can lead to ABS faults. Checking the suspension components usually solves this problem.
Uneven tyre wear is a second frequently mentioned problem. Worn suspension rubbers cause incorrect wheel alignment (re-setting the wheel angles), which makes the inside of the tyres wear faster. This not only leads to higher costs for new tyres, but also to unsafe handling in wet conditions. Have the wheel alignment checked after replacing control arms or bushes.
Corrosion on aluminium control arms occurs mainly in regions where road salt is used. On models between 2007 and 2011, factory assembly faults have been found that make this worse. Later models have stronger bearings that reduce this issue. In winter conditions, regularly check for rust formation around the suspension mounting points.
‘ Always make sure the car is safely supported on axle stands before you crawl under the vehicle. ’
Practical tips for maintenance and prevention
Prevent serious suspension problems through regular checks. Replace bushes preventively every 60,000 kilometres, especially if you drive sportily or often travel with heavy luggage. During inspection, spray WD-40 (rust remover/lubricant) on the bushes to make cracks easier to see, but do not lubricate them permanently. If you see visible damage, they must be replaced.
For seized bolts due to rust, an induction heater or welding torch (tool that uses heat to free stuck bolts) helps. Heat dissolves rust without bolts snapping. This saves time and prevents damage to threaded holes. Use this method especially on older models where corrosion at mounting points occurs. Always make sure the car is safely supported on axle stands before you crawl under the vehicle.
If you drive sportily or attend track days, choose polyurethane bushes. These are harder and give more direct feedback from the road. For everyday comfort, you are better off sticking with standard rubber bushes. These absorb vibrations better and provide calmer behaviour on longer journeys.
Do it yourself or go to the garage
Replacing control arms is doable as a DIY job with basic tools and some technical understanding. You will need: jacks, axle stands, a torque wrench, a set of spanners and possibly a heating tool for seized bolts. Allow 2 to 4 hours of work per axle for someone with average technical skills. Pay close attention to the order of disassembly and mark the position of the wheels for alignment.
Go to a garage if you are unsure about your own abilities or do not have a suitable place to work. Professional installation guarantees correct adjustment and safety. Many owners choose to buy the parts themselves and only have the fitting done. This saves on parts costs while still giving you the certainty of expert installation.
After replacing suspension components, wheel alignment (re-setting the wheel angles) is essential. Always have this done by a specialist, because incorrect alignment once again leads to uneven tyre wear and strange steering behaviour. The cost of wheel alignment is around 75 to 150 euros and is a small investment for safe handling.
When do suspension problems become dangerous
Do not ignore noises from the suspension for too long. Worn control arms affect the stability of your car, especially in emergency manoeuvres and fast corners. If they fail, this can lead to loss of control over the handling. Owners warn that driving on with worn suspension components is not only uncomfortable, but also dangerous.
In extreme cases of wear, control arms or ball joints can break loose while driving. This causes direct damage to other components and can lead to accidents. Recognise the warning signs: loud bangs over small imperfections, a strong swaying feeling in corners or uncontrollable steering behaviour are signs of urgent problems. If you notice these symptoms, stop driving and have your car inspected.
Always check the condition of the suspension during scheduled maintenance. Mechanics can detect wear early with a quick inspection on the lift in the workshop. This prevents expensive repairs and keeps your A5 safe on the road. Invest in preventive maintenance instead of solving problems afterwards.
‘ Keep your car reliable and safe by regularly learning more about maintenance and prevention. ’
Want to know more about your Audi A5
Suspension problems are only one aspect of maintaining your Audi A5. On the Carnews website you will find extensive information on other common problems, maintenance schedules and practical tips for various Audi models. Discover more articles about engine issues, electronics and transmission to keep your car in top condition. Keep your car reliable and safe by regularly learning more about maintenance and prevention.
Frequently asked questions
Symptoms of worn control arms or suspension problems on an Audi A5 include clattering or banging noises at low speeds or over speed bumps, especially from the front axle. Vibrations can also develop in the steering at higher speeds (around or above 100 km/h). In addition, a floating or unstable driving feel and uneven tyre wear often point to worn suspension rubbers or control arm bushes. If noises or vibrations persist, a visual check for cracks and play in the control arms is recommended.
The most common causes of suspension wear on the Audi A5 are worn control arm bushes, shock absorbers and suspension rubbers, often accelerated by poor road surfaces, sporty driving, higher mileage and corrosion in salty winter conditions. This shows up as clattering noises, vibrations in the steering and irregular tyre wear. You can prevent this by having a visual and mechanical inspection of the control arms and bushes every 60,000–80,000 km, not ignoring vibrations or noises and limiting overloading (heavy loads, trailers). Have worn parts replaced in good time per axle (left/right) with quality OEM or premium-brand parts, and combine this with an alignment.
Continuing to drive with worn control arms can lead to unstable handling, especially at higher speeds, causing the car to float or pull in corners. Braking distance and steering precision deteriorate, which increases the risk of an accident in emergency situations. Uneven tyre wear can also develop, further reducing grip. In extreme cases, a control arm or ball joint can fail, causing you to almost instantly lose control of the car.
Common repair options for suspension problems on an Audi A5 include replacing complete control arms (front and rear), only the suspension bushes and/or the shock absorbers. A set of front control arms broadly costs €400–800, rear control arms €300–600, bushes €150–300 and shock absorbers €800–1200, excluding labour. Original (OEM) parts generally offer the best fit, comfort and lifespan, but are more expensive; aftermarket parts (e.g. Lemförder, Febi, Bilstein) are often 20–40% cheaper with a slightly more variable lifespan and sometimes a slightly firmer ride. Replacing only the bushes instead of complete arms can roughly halve the costs, while the driving characteristics are often restored to almost as-new.
Park the car on a flat surface, jack up the front and check whether there is noticeable play (more than a few millimetres) when you shake the wheel horizontally and vertically. Use a lamp to look at the control arms and rubbers/bushes: cracks, torn edges or leaking shock absorbers indicate wear. While driving, listen for clattering or banging noises over speed bumps and feel for vibrations in the steering at higher speeds, and check for irregular tyre wear. If in doubt, or if you see clear play/wear, it is wise to have the car checked on a lift by a specialist.