mattsimis

Got the car (1998 S8) back from the gearbox swap 2 days ago. That aspect is ok (need to get those diff mount bushing as per the other thread, thanks SilverD2).. however now I get a very audible creaking from the front left wheel area.

I think its suspension struts (but rather it wasnt!):

- Creaks when braking (straight or steering)
- Noise when steering at low speed, audible externally in carparks
- No noise when pushing down on it stationary (ie bounce test)
- Already replaced the lower control arms
- When they were replacing the box, they removed the subframe and left the wheels/suspension hanging somewhat unsupported..
- I already suspected it bottoms out a bit too easy, I think it may be even "softer" now, very little rebound anyhow


I have a regulatory national car test tomorrow, gonna fail spectacularly!

tozoM8

They tighten the suspension on the lift. It has to be on the ground to do it.

mattsimis

Which part of the suspension? I re-seated the lower arms already.

tozoM8

The inner part of the lower control arms. The car has to be on the ground, loosen the bolts, move the car up/down then tighten the bolts.

mattsimis

I loosened them, bounced the car up and down and tightened them back. Seemed ok for about 10min of driving, then got progressively louder and more annoying. Went to the National Car test, the tester said it failed on one of the upper arms (though oddly the other side). Can upper arms make this noise too (I only changed lowers)?

The suspension shocks themselves passed the test perfectly.

audi01a6

common issue with the upper control arm bushings,replaced both sides,that should help,what are the miles on audi?

mattsimis

175k miles but no service history. I already suspected arms needed to be done, but hadnt planned on changing uppers this week.

tozoM8

Spray some WD40 on them one at the time. whet it gets quiet, you found the problem.

mattsimis

As an update I changed both upper control arms on both sides = no change.
Sprayed Lubricant as per Tozo's suggestion = no change.
Reseated all the lower control arms = no change.


Its really loud now, on 3/4 turns left or right, stationary or braking.
Going to drop by the garage later today and get it on the ramp. They tell me all they removed in that area is the lower control arms, didnt touch steering or anything else relevant. I have 2x Tierod ends I could put in, but didnt want to "add" to the changed parts list before having an idea of whats the cause of the noise is.

Showed it to a few people so far, for such a loud noise, we are stumped!

mattsimis

Solved:
Was the largest nut on the subframe on the left side, had slipped slightly after they put the subframe back. Tightened up and perfect again!