tjrobinsona4

So, I have a '96 A4 with the 2.7 and the front suspension started creaking a few days ago. It is quiet in the morning and would start up after a few minutes on the road. This morning all is quiet. I've replaced the upper arms and tie rods a few months ago and am planning on doing the lowers, but since I'm going on a trip tomorrow (driving from CA bay area to Idaho) I'm not sure I have the time. And now since the noise is gone for the moment I might wait until we get back. I was sure it was coming from the lower joints or bushings, but now I'm not sure.

Loree-AudiUSAParts

Got to love squeaks and groans. Just out of curiosity was it colder or warmer, dryer or wetter this morning than the previous noisy days? We find weather will affect bushings in different ways. They tend to squeak more when cold and groan less when wet. Just something to think about. Trip for fun I hope.
Loree

turbo510

I replaced the whole set a few months ago, because the clatter that I tolerated became the creaking sound too. The noisy joint was easy to find by holding your finger on the back of the balljoints, and feeling the vibration when someone else bounced the suspension. In this case the passenger lower-rear was the one. Since this joint faces up, I was able to pull back the rubber and pour in a little gear oil, to keep the noise down until the new parts went on.