Will torn lower control arm bushing cause creaking noise?

**Dimcorner** · 10-18-2010 05:16 AM

I notice that the car now makes a creaking/squeaky noise when I turn the steering wheel. I took the wheel off and noticed that the rubber boot of the lower control arm that connects to the hub is torn and floppy. Would this be the cause of the noise or something else? I'm hoping this is in and not my PS pump.

**bez101** · 10-18-2010 05:49 AM

they could be makeing the noise you have
as there torn and floppy its a good idea to change them anyway
fingers crossed its not your rack or pump

**Dr. Jekyll** · 10-18-2010 05:50 AM

Yes, absolutely. Just happened to my car. New lower control arm fixed the problem.

**ECS Tuning-Audi** · 10-18-2010 06:01 AM

It sounds like a lower control arm bushing over a power steering pump from my end. A bad lower control arm bushing will for sure make a creaky/squeak noise.

We offer replacement control arms as well as press-in bushings for your existing control arms if you're looking to save some dough. Click here:

**MCKAYIVA4** · 10-18-2010 06:32 AM

deffinetly your suspension creating that noise. If i was you I would check every bushing and replace all that look suspect.

**bint2k** · 10-18-2010 06:36 AM

I had torn bushings in my Upper Control Arms (b6 s4 160,000km) - i had them replaced and i still have creaking/knocking (its quick, sounds like 1 or 2 quick knocks) steering noise when moving at extreme slow speeds (out of parking spots etc). It's really bothering me... the control arms did nothing the sound is exactly the same.... if anyone could suggest something to me i would be greatful

**Dimcorner** · 10-18-2010 07:58 AM

I'm hoping is the control arms. It will sometimes creak a little when going slow over uneven pavement with the wheel straight.
If it's the PS, what would be the symptoms?

**rs4 tony** · 07-08-2013 06:56 AM

Originally Posted by bint2k

I had torn bushings in my Upper Control Arms (b6 s4 160,000km) - i had them replaced and i still have creaking/knocking (its quick, sounds like 1 or 2 quick knocks) steering noise when moving at extreme slow speeds (out of parking spots etc). It's really bothering me... the control arms did nothing the sound is exactly the same.... if anyone could suggest something to me i would be greatful

I have this same noise. When parrarel parking. Any clue of what it could be?

**Breppinq** · 07-08-2013 07:18 AM

If it's knocking check your tie rods. Jack your car up and move the wheel left and right then up and down and see if there's play could also be your ball joints which you'll have to get control arms for anyway. I changed all 8 control arms and tie rods with a kit it's cheaper than buying everything one by one. Goodluck

**EMF614** · 07-08-2013 07:22 AM

Originally Posted by rs4 tony

I have this same noise. When parrarel parking. Any clue of what it could be?

I know if you don't torque down the bolts to the correct specs or don't tighten them under load, it can cause noises.

**rs4 tony** · 07-08-2013 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by Breppinq

If it's knocking check your tie rods. Jack your car up and move the wheel left and right then up and down and see if there's play could also be your ball joints which you'll have to get control arms for anyway. I changed all 8 control arms and tie rods with a kit it's cheaper than buying everything one by one. Goodluck

Did this. No noise or looseness left to right, up to down.

All bolts are torqued to proper specs. My two techs believe it can be the lower curved control arm considering that is what moves when backing into a spot. I have videos too. Here.

http://youtu.be/Y0Ex-1XEYEA

http://youtu.be/f_TyP0BS4ZM

http://youtu.be/jUrcGRqIfpA

Noises in the video are toward the end. If you get a chance take a look in a quiet spot(I know you guys are probably working right now)

**Breppinq** · 07-08-2013 08:38 AM

That last video almost sounds like a loose caliper bolt. Did u do brakes recently? And You should jack up the front end and have someone by the wheels looking as listening as you turn the wheel that's how I found my lower control arm bushing was bad you could visually see it move while the wheel was being moved back and forth

**rs4 tony** · 07-08-2013 11:24 AM

Yea I can't get the noise to happen with no load on it. And my caliper bolts r nice n tight 90ft lbs

**rs4 tony** · 07-08-2013 11:31 AM

My tech told me to jack the car up, wedge a big flat head screw driver between the subframe and control arm and lightly pry it and see how much play there is.

**Breppinq** · 07-08-2013 05:38 PM

Yeah i would suggest that too get a pry bar and wedge it in there and wiggle it see if you hear the knocking or see any play anywhere and also check your engine mounts sounds weird but if theyre worn out they can also make a knocking sound. Heres a good video from eric the car guy for some references http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scFbb...V8JomfEPUeuqAI

**rs4 tony** · 07-08-2013 09:00 PM

Yea I did my engine mounts about a month ago. They r right

**Scotty@Advanced** · 07-09-2013 06:39 AM

Yes

**rs4 tony** · 07-09-2013 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by Scotty@Advanced

Yes

Yes??? What?

**silver b5 s4** · 07-09-2013 12:52 PM

What about the CV joints? I know I have a cracked boot and need it replaced. I also have this creaking noise when turning at extremely low speeds. Is this not the CV joint?

**Breppinq** · 07-09-2013 01:15 PM

this gave me a creaking sound

**rs4 tony** · 07-09-2013 02:34 PM

Originally Posted by silver b5 s4

What about the CV joints? I know I have a cracked boot and need it replaced. I also have this creaking noise when turning at extremely low speeds. Is this not the CV joint?

When turning there should be a small click. That's normal I heard. Like a pin type click. Hard to explain. But my cv boots are all good