Left side Creaking noise

[Saj786]

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 

[spartacus 68]

Worn drop links or ARB bushes. Both inexpensive.

[Saj786]

Would droplink sound rubbery ? Creaking ??

[spartacus 68]

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 by spartacus 68

[Saj786]

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

[spartacus 68]

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.

[Saj786]

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

[Magnet]

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. 

[Saj786]

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 

[enc]

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 by enc

[Saj786]

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

[enc]

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 by enc

[Saj786]

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

[enc]

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 by enc

[enc]

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

[Saj786]

Thanks 

[Saj786]

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!!!

[spartacus 68]

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.

[Saj786]

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…..