About a month ago I brought my 1998 a4 (2.8 Quattro) in for inspection (MA) and the front suspension failed. I brought it in to my mechanic and he replaced one of the tie rods. Ever since then there has been a 'creaking' sound whenever the front end rises or falls (it is even noticeable when you put it in gear and accelerate). It has actually become more noticeable over the past month. I brought it back in and they poked a hole in the boot and tried to lubricate it but that did not help at all. From reading the postings online it sounds like it could be the control arms? It seems odd that the sound never arose prior to replacing the tie rod... Any thoughts / suggestions???

Thanks!

 

Does it make any sounds when you turn the steering wheel? You could try using a big wrench and twisting each control arm until you determin where the squeak is comming from. Mine is the lower front right, but it just passed the PA state inspection and I had it aligned so I'm hesitant to replace it until it's really bad.

 

what happend to the hole that was poked into the boot? I dont think thats the proper way to lub inside the boot. If any little bit of dirt can go into that boot ur axle is screwed. If boot is ripped or has a open hole you have least 8 hrs to repair that problem or else ur axle is done! When this happends the creaking sound will come even driving stright or in turns( worst in turns).

 

sounds like its your control arms. possibly a wheel bearing. my rear end does the same thing and its way annoying. it almost sounds like two balloon rubbing together.

 

that sounds like your axle.. i'm replacing mine tomorrow. the boot is completely torn, and everytime i hit a pot hole, or even a slight incline, any slight bump that causes the wheel to move besides rolling, especially on right turns, it creates this rattle/thud/somenotsogreatsound.... but yeah.. if your boot is torn, the axle goes byebye apparently.

 

might wnat to bring it a euro certified mechanic and have them give it a once over, audi would be best but at 110 and hour f**k that.

 

New member..first post.

I have a 99 A4 that creaks at slow speed when turning the wheel. The Euro specialist I take it to says it is the lower control arms and a known problem area. Audi will sell you a replacement kit for $1500, my specialist says don't bother there's nothing really wrong with the car. As the temperature warms up (I'm in Phoenix, AZ) the noise seems to subside.

 

Ya probably control arms... Try blasting the bushings with wd-40 and/or pb blaster to hush em up. Its worked for other members before. Just keep an eye on the bushings... If they deteriorate youll have metal on metal grinding away which can ultimately lead to control arm failure and cause loss of control. As long as you keep them lubed up, that should buy you some time and keep em quiet.
Creek/squeek = control arms
Clunk= tie rods

Tie rods are also a common issue though, so its good you got those done.