Cracking/Popping

[TheFly]

Does anyone else have this problem...

I'm a new A4 3.2 Quattro S-Line, 6MT owner (first time Audi owner). Less then 800 miles. I've noticed that the interior front pillars and headliner creaks and pops (especially if it is hot out) like crazy. There's no real pattern to it...it happens both while I'm driving or stopped.

I have owned quite a few cars over the years and NONE of them did anything like this.

What is making that noise? I would assume something is expanding/contracting. Regardless, it's definitely takes the edge off of the "fit & finish" line everyone seems to throw around.

I searched the forum archives but didn't find much.

I realize I'll probably end up at the dealer (annoying!) but I want to go in armed with as much info as possible so they can fix the problem on the first try.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Sanjman]

not sure if this is the same thing, but when my car was new it cracked and popped a little going down my driveway or on turns... it eventually just went away... maybe your body frame needs to do a little breaking in still. just my 2 cents.

[Grk_A4]

yeah my car used to creak and pop while leaving my driveway, eventually it went away. I guess it just needs to be broken in.

[rnp614]

8000 in on my 2.0T and whenever I go slow over some uneven surface like up a driveway at an angle I get a little creak from what I assume is just a little frame flex

[agorich]

i have had the same issue too. its random. usually when im going slow also. only really noticed it after i got tinted. but i doubt the tints had anything to do with it. i have about 2400 miles now. =T we'll see if it goes away.

[Wagon]

Same thing happens to me when I roll down the windows after the car has been sitting for a while and is pretty hot inside.

[davis449]

Mine does it too, it's normal.

[swoardrider]

Mine has done it since day 1. I now have 32k on her. Dealer has unsuccessfully tried to fix it and is now blaming my stiffer suspension. After hearing other people's cars with stock suspension doing this, I'm calling BS. Something in our cars is not right. Kinda like the factory missed a weld joint, or a weld broke, or missed a glue joint spot, or some BS. My passengers always mention it and it really bugs me.

[TheFly]

Mine has done it since day 1. I now have 32k on her. Dealer has unsuccessfully tried to fix it and is now blaming my stiffer suspension. After hearing other people's cars with stock suspension doing this, I'm calling BS. Something in our cars is not right. Kinda like the factory missed a weld joint, or a weld broke, or missed a glue joint spot, or some BS. My passengers always mention it and it really bugs me.

This is exactly what I'm trying to avoid at the dealer.

I totally agree, it's NOT normal. A brand new $41k+ car shouldn't creak and pop like it does.

[Sanjman]

wouldn't front and rear sway bars help these symptoms to prevent less frame bending?

[TheFly]

wouldn't front and rear sway bars help these symptoms to prevent less frame bending?

Good suggestion but the problem even happens when I get into the car after it's been parked for 24 hours and I'm about to put the key in the ignition.

I'm thinking it's less of a structural problem and probably Audi choosing to use some sort of material that expands/warps in warmer temps.

[swoardrider]

wouldn't front and rear sway bars help these symptoms to prevent less frame bending?

Bigger bars put more stress on the body, not less.

[Sanjman]

Bigger bars put more stress on the body, not less.

I believe we are talking about bending more than stressing... but I don't know much about mechanical designs that much.