Hey all, I've got a 2012 Audi A6 3.0T Premium Plus that i wanted to get everyone's thoughts and opinions on a suspension issue, and the suspension differences with the earlier C6 platform.

For background, i used to have a 2011 of the same model as above and had no issues with the suspension. Smooth as silk and no problems or noise.

Since I got my 2012 now, it's had two upper control arms replaced (on the front drivers side i believe) and still has clunking coming from what sounds like both sides on the front, and at least one of the wheels in the back, if not both.

The shop that replaced the control arms said they didn't find anything else, a second one said the suspension was fine, and a third specialist couldn't pinpoint it. But the specialist said the inner bushings of all front upper control arms (didn't mention the two new ones) are showing signs of "tearing out", and the front driver strut is "potentially" internally compromised. Mentioning nothing of the rear suspension.

I'm starting to form the opinion that the C7 suspension just makes more noise and/or the cabin and frame have much worse noise dampening effects than the C6 platform.

Has anyone else noticed this difference? Are there any easy ways to test and confirm that each component is fine (i.e. control arm bushings, struts, springs, etc)?

20 hours ago, RiftCygnus said:

Hey all, I've got a 2012 Audi A6 3.0T Premium Plus that i wanted to get everyone's thoughts and opinions on a suspension issue, and the suspension differences with the earlier C6 platform.

For background, i used to have a 2011 of the same model as above and had no issues with the suspension. Smooth as silk and no problems or noise.

Since I got my 2012 now, it's had two upper control arms replaced (on the front drivers side i believe) and still has clunking coming from what sounds like both sides on the front, and at least one of the wheels in the back, if not both.

The shop that replaced the control arms said they didn't find anything else, a second one said the suspension was fine, and a third specialist couldn't pinpoint it. But the specialist said the inner bushings of all front upper control arms (didn't mention the two new ones) are showing signs of "tearing out", and the front driver strut is "potentially" internally compromised. Mentioning nothing of the rear suspension.

I'm starting to form the opinion that the C7 suspension just makes more noise and/or the cabin and frame have much worse noise dampening effects than the C6 platform.

Has anyone else noticed this difference? Are there any easy ways to test and confirm that each component is fine (i.e. control arm bushings, struts, springs, etc)?

Hi if both fronts are clunking if its when going over bumps it will be the top mount cushions, if its when you are moving backwards or forwards its the rear lower control arms both are common problems, as for the rear it can be either drop links ARB bushes or even a shock absorber top mount, I hate to tell you this but the C7 is nowhere near as well built as the C6.

Steve.

What's the mileage on 2012 car and history? All suspension eventually fails as it deteriorates with age/use. The A6 isn't a lightweight either. Lemforder is OE suspension component. With multi-link suspension you can chase clunks. Useful route is always replace in pairs with opposite side.

On 12/28/2025 at 1:43 PM, Stevey Y said:

Hi if both fronts are clunking if its when going over bumps it will be the top mount cushions, if its when you are moving backwards or forwards its the rear lower control arms both are common problems, as for the rear it can be either drop links ARB bushes or even a shock absorber top mount, I hate to tell you this but the C7 is nowhere near as well built as the C6.

Steve.

Thanks for the heads up on those. So it sounds like either sway bar links, control arm bushings, or the shock absorber top mounts. Will keep that in mind.
 

2 hours ago, spartacus 68 said:

What's the mileage on 2012 car and history? All suspension eventually fails as it deteriorates with age/use. The A6 isn't a lightweight either. Lemforder is OE suspension component. With multi-link suspension you can chase clunks. Useful route is always replace in pairs with opposite side.

It's at about 157,200 km right now, and i bought it about 5 months ago with around 152,900 km. I have no idea on the history, but it's had the driver's side upper control arms replaced at least, and nobody has said they saw anything concerning otherwise. Beyond probably the passenger side upper control arms "showing signs of tearing out" according to one technician.

It would be nice to pinpoint which specific sway bar link/s, control arm/s, or struts/shock absorber mounts are the culprit. I'll probably have to wait until the summer time when it's nicer and i can lift it in the air to check bushings and all the other components.