Guys

my S3 has been creaking from the front left side every time I turn left, it’s more prone when it’s slower, I’ve had ball joint and track rod end changed, no joy. It’s so annoying!! It’s sounds like a dry rubbery sound but can’t find what it is…

It’s actually worse when the weather is warmer on a hot day. Any suggestions as I don’t want to keep spending loads and it still be there. Mechanic said process of elimination, could be top mount or steering rack. Tbf before it used to come and go, but as weather is warmer now i can hear it a lot more.  Anybody had this issue, any suggestions or help would be appreciated 

Worn drop links or ARB bushes. Both inexpensive.

Would droplink sound rubbery ? Creaking ??

Potentially if the balljoints are goosed. My money is on ARB bushes. Wouldn’t expect top mounts to have gone on 2017 car unless high mileage.

Edited May 4, 20251 yr by spartacus 68

I had the ball joint replaced mate, but if you think ARB bushes, is it an easy job to replace?

Jack up the car at the front, on both sides, drop the engine under tray, and you can access bolts to ARB. Wire brush first and spray with penetrating release, buzz the bolts off if you have a power driver. You will also need to remove the drop links too. If the drop links have play at balljoints, replace with Meyle HD. On fitting new bushes, use red rubber grease. Don’t use any other grease.

Thanks, I’ll have to probably get them done by mechanic .

Thanks Saj,

I would suggest it’s well worth getting your mechanic to  check them first - rather than just embarking on changing them when they are serviceable. 
Possible suspect - top suspension mount?? 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Top suspension mount is what mechanic thinks too, only thing if get that replaced and it’s not that 🤦🏼‍♂️, it’s strange as only happens when slow left turn, but annoying …, it’s sounds similar like a creaking old door opening 

had same issue with mine. I suspected top mounts. had top mounts, dampers and drop links replaced. been fine for 12 months but now getting the odd creak again.  

i used Febi Bilstein top mounts and drop links and  OEM spec Sachs dampers. 

 

 

Edited May 6, 20251 yr by enc

R u sure it will be top mount as some people say anti roll bar bushes lol

12 hours ago, Saj786 said:

R u sure it will be top mount as some people say anti roll bar bushes lol

No I’m not sure. But it was ok for 12 months after changing. . Dampers were originals so needed changing anyway

Edited May 7, 20251 yr by enc

Tbf one the mechanics reckons it is the top mount as, but it takes a while to do 🤔

you can usually tell by looking at arb bushes if they have deteriorated. Fairly simple job to swap out compared to top mounts which are more involved. 
top mounts, you  cant tell for certain until you remove them from the car (unless they’re really bad) 

perhaps, your mechanic can advise further 

Edited May 7, 20251 yr by enc

With mine, I supplied all parts, Audi specialists charged £200 to fit 

Thanks 

So just an update, I’ve had top mount replaced, track rod end, ball joint and drop link all replaced at a cost !! but the creaking noise is STILL there !!!! mostly on a slow left turn it’s like a creak, springy sound. I’m sick of throwing money at it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Not sure what else to suggest. A mechanic will get a pry bar on the lower arm bushes. Any flex, then swap it out. On the bright side you’re rebuilding the front suspension piece by piece. 😉

Double check the coil spring hasn’t lost an end and it’s sitting properly. I’m sure if you had top mounts done that would have been spotted.

Spring should be ok as new top mount replaced, someone suggested it could be swaybar bushes…it’s so annoying and now my mechanic suggested going to an Audi specialist fgs…..

Guys !!

regarding the creaking noise on the left side front. It only happens when I turn left slowly when parking up etc…

I’ve had top mount, ball joint, track rod end and drop link replaced but the issue is still there. I’m sick of spending and not getting to the issue. I’ve booked it in for a diagnostic with an Audi specialist next Friday. The mechanic who’s done the previous jobs advised to do that. I’ve added a video with the sound of the issue. If anyone has had the same issue any advice would be appreciated. Someone has said change tie rod arm.

tahts pretty much the same sound as mine. as previously posted above, I had a few parts replaced and it was pretty much sorted but very ocasionally,  it has started to do it again.

im watching this thread with interest. fingers crossed your Audi specialist solves it for you. hope you post back here with their findings.  

What was the fault on urs then, what was replaced??

1 hour ago, Saj786 said:

What was the fault on urs then, what was replaced??

as i posted ...above 

What was the outcome ?, what did they replace & did they say what was causing the noise?

17 hours ago, Saj786 said:

What was the outcome ?, what did they replace & did they say what was causing the noise?

What was the outcome ?   

as i stated above , it  has been fine for over 12 months but ive noticed the (very) occasional creak  since the hotter weather

what did they replace & did they say what was causing the noise?

 

  They changed the parts i supplied above...under my self diagnosis of the issue. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 18, 20251 yr by enc