Creaking Front End Suspension? My Results.

[blackfc3s]

So I developed a creaking sound in the front suspension a while ago and began reading up on it. The "search" wisdom is to do a full control arm replacement, so I ordered a full front control arm kit from FCP Groton (Thanks guys) from the group buy section of the forums.

I wanted to isolate the noise to try to pinpoint the sound to help others as the sound is quite annoying. I subdivided the front suspension into three areas. The first being the upper control arms, the second being the lower control arms, and the third being the tie rods and sway bar end links. I didn’t have a ton of time over the weekend to swap it all at once given the fact that I had a seized pinch bolt on both sides (what a PITA), so I did the upper control arms one weekend, the lowers another, and so on and so forth.

Here are my results:
Weekend #1: Creak went away for 3 days of daily driving after replacement of upper control arms. After the third day, the creak sound came back. Most notably when backing up and having the wheel cocked to the left or right. Creaking sound also occurred when traveling at low speeds >20MPH with heavy wave like bumps in the road that made the car bounce front to back.

Weekend #2: Creak was still apparent with the replacement of lower control arms. No affect.

Weekend #3: With the replacement of the full tie rod assembly, the creaking went away. I dismissed the sway bar end links as the culprit because they move slightly and only with shock travel.

Moral of the story: Change your tie rod ends before you do a control arm replacement if you have a creaking suspension noise.

Can anyone else share their story to validate mine?

[Dcass08]

I had a creak with a clunking as well. Did the tie rod ends and it was fine.

[A4SoftWalker]

Good luck trying to come up with theories on this car.
There often is no rhyme or reason - its just because thats the way it is.

Last b6 A4 I worked on was obviously the larger LOWER ctrl arms that were causing the creaking.
I did the upper control arms as well.
Did not even touch the tie rods.
They were fine.

[blackfc3s]

More data, the better, I always say.

[A4natomical]

Thanks for this. My car has been creaking for a few months. I'll definitely try the tie rods first.

The problem is just like you said, at slower speeds going over uneven surfaces.

[Charles.waite]

I need to do this soon...

So many issues, so little time (and $$$).

[A4natomical]

I've also noticed my rear makes more noises than the front. Anyone ever change out the rear tie rods as well?

http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B6_A4-...e_Rods/ES4087/

[A4natomical]

posts aren't going to the top...

[Elliott]

I've also noticed my rear makes more noises than the front. Anyone ever change out the rear tie rods as well?

http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B6_A4-...e_Rods/ES4087/

I think it's funny that they are calling those "tie rods." Either way, the rear suspension is easier to replace than the front in my opinion.

[A4natomical]

I think it's funny that they are calling those "tie rods." Either way, the rear suspension is easier to replace than the front in my opinion.

haha yea, I've seen it titled lantern arm in other diagrams...