HorschA4

I am getting a creaking/groaning sound in the front left side of the car (can't tell whether its coming from the steering system or the suspension) when I turn the wheel and slowly pull out of a parking spot after the car has been sitting in cold weather overnight. It only seems to happen in cold weather. I replaced the steering rack with a reconditioned one several months ago; I hope the new one hasn't gone bad so quickly. Any advice? Thanks.

A84Nate

I've only noticed it when it's below 40 degrees but when I turn the wheel or go over a small undulation (like the the incline into a driveway or parking structure) I notice a creaking noise coming for the front of my car too. There is no shutter/shake when cruising or braking and the steering seems to be tight and responsive. I took the car to the dealer for my coilpack recall and had them put it on the lift to see if they could pinpoint the problem. They said there was no indication of excess stress or wear on any steering or suspension components and all the CV boots were in good shape (common issue?). The mechanic said not to worry about it unless it gets worse so I haven't. Now the weather has stayed above 40 degrees and I don't hear it anymore. I don't know if you've noticed this but mine would go away after the car had warmed up from driving a few miles. Keep us posted if you find anything out, I'd like to know if I need to have something replaced before it's too late.

Diztek

It's your control arm bushings. They only last about 80k miles.

A84Nate

Not on mine, the dealer checked those too.

juttin

Control arm bushing that holds strut

lyleswk

My 2 cents. Let it creak. As long as you are not having stability issues (vibration, pulsations through the pedal, etc). When you get old, you creak. I hear it everyday I wake up or take my run

R3Wood

2005 A6 3.2, 48,000 miles. Mine is in the shop right now for bushing repair. Creaking from both sides.

B6_Dolphin

The creaking either originates from the control arm bushings - look for cracks in the rubber, or from the rubber spring seat.

turbo510

Just replaced the control arms on my B5, also had a creaking front end. The noisy joint was on a lower front control arm, which supports the car's weight up there. I could feel the ball joint vibrate with my fingers on it, while someone else moved the front up and down. Before changing the control arms, I quieted the joint by pouring a little gear oil into it (still worn out but not creaking).