Adaptive suspension noise?

Tiny
Q7CAYMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 AUDI Q7
  • 5.2L
  • V6
  • TURBO
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
When I start my engine, the adaptive suspension lights come on (green, yellow or both). Normally the suspension would move to the required height and the lights would go off. Instead, a loud motor noise can be heard (in the attached video) coming from near the front right wheel. It continues on for a couple of minutes, sometimes intermittently, until it stops. I've taken it to the Audi garage, and they've said it isn't worth the cost of the repairs because I live in the Caribbean and the cost of labor and parts are high. I need to either ship it off the island to have it repaired elsewhere or live with it, which is distracting to say the least! Any help greatly received!
Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 1:11 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,596 POSTS
Sure, I didn't see the video, they take a while to upload on mobile so give it time. The active suspension compressor motor runs like this when there is a leak in the system, usually one of the air struts is leaking. You can use a spray a soapy solution on the struts to see if you can find once out is leaking. You can unplug the air pump motor if you want the noise to stop. Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 4:56 PM
Tiny
Q7CAYMAN
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Thanks Ken! Do you have the legend to the Air supply unit diagram? I want to make sure I unplug the right thing. If I unplug it will the car, then lean over on the side where the leak is located? I get the impression that it is doing this on the offside rear. Finally, will I need to get the car on a ramp/lift to access the supply unit? Thanks again for your help.
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 8:15 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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The only legend they give is included in the first response, you can see the unit looks like it is under the car, but I would open the hood to look and see first. If a strut is leaking, then the car will lean that way when the air suspension is disconnected unfortunately.
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Thursday, September 29th, 2022 AT 12:18 PM

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