Squeak when turning right and going over bumps - ball joint?

[STA4]

When I turn my steering wheel to the right, I get a loud squeak coming from my front passenger side suspension. I also get a squeak when I go over uneven surfaces. My mechanic thinks it's the ball joint.

Has anyone here had to replace a ball joint? Thanks.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

When I turn my steering wheel to the right, I get a loud squeak coming from my front passenger side suspension. I also get a squeak when I go over uneven surfaces. My mechanic thinks it's the ball joint.

Has anyone here had to replace a ball joint? Thanks.

Could be a ball joint. Could also be a strut mount bushing.

I've never really heard of ball joints making squeaking noises on Audi's. Usually it's strut mounts or control arm bushings.

Jason

[STA4]

Could be a ball joint. Could also be a strut mount bushing.

I've never really heard of ball joints making squeaking noises on Audi's. Usually it's strut mounts or control arm bushings.

Jason

Thanks. I just dropped by Audi and the tech told me that the A4 uses a 4 link front suspension with fixed struts and that there are 4 ball joints. He said that they can make this noise when they go.

I tried uploading a video, but getting errors with Tapatalk.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Thanks. I just dropped by Audi and the tech told me that the A4 uses a 4 link front suspension with fixed struts and that there are 4 ball joints. He said that they can make this noise when they go.

The B8 chassis Audi does use a 4 link suspension which has 4 ball joints. 3 of which are on the end of control arms (2 upper and 1 lower) and the 4th being the tie rod end.

Not saying it's not a ball joint but there can be other possibilities. I see in your signature that you have stasis springs. At one point your suspension was all removed to install these. If the control arms were not preloaded to the proper ride height at installation there's a possibility it could cause premature wear to the bushings. Also the strut mount bushing could have gotten damaged or not seated properly and over time caused wear which could lead to a squeak.

Definitely have a certified tech go over your suspension for proper diagnosis.

Jason

[STA4]

The B8 chassis Audi does use a 4 link suspension which has 4 ball joints. 3 of which are on the end of control arms (2 upper and 1 lower) and the 4th being the tie rod end.

Not saying it's not a ball joint but there can be other possibilities. I see in your signature that you have stasis springs. At one point your suspension was all removed to install these. If the control arms were not preloaded to the proper ride height at installation there's a possibility it could cause premature wear to the bushings. Also the strut mount bushing could have gotten damaged or not seated properly and over time caused wear which could lead to a squeak.

Definitely have a certified tech go over your suspension for proper diagnosis.

Jason

If the struts are fixed, could the strut mount bushings still make noise when turning?

Here's the sound with me wiggling the steering:

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Strut mount bushings can definitely still make noise even though the strut is fixed. The whole bushing is rubber so if it gets a split or a crack in it you'll definitely hear some noise.

From the video you posted I'd definitely say you have a control arm issue. In my experiences when you get that creaking sound from turning the wheel it's a bushing. But it could also be a ball joint. Usually ball joints don't make noise unless the boot is split open. You should be able to tell this pretty easily if any are split open.

With a jack, unload the suspension so the wheel is just about off the ground. This will allow you to peak in the wheel well and see the ball joints. Feel around where it connects to the suspension upright for any cracks or splits. If you notice any, that could likely be where the source of the creaking is coming from.

Jason

[van462]

Swaybar bushing can also squeak on uneven bumps.

[STA4]

Swaybar bushing can also squeak on uneven bumps.

But wouldn't squeak when wheel turns right?

[TDIaholic]

Mine did this when the bushing on the front lower control arm where the stru bottom mount attaches to had come apart. The rubber had separated from the metal sleeve around it.

I'd suggest you spray each joint one-by-one with WD40 or similar and see when the noise goes away. Mine was so bad that you could hear it even with the wheels turned and by pushing down on the fender.

[piotrowr]

My front suspension makes noise/squeaks when going over bumps in the cold, fine when warm.

[audigraph]

I thought my rear suspension was making noise over bumps. I figured out it was the trunk seal squeaking due to the weight of the trunk lid. It moves just enough to cause an odd clunk-squeak. Going to get the dealer to help me out on this one.

[STA4]

Update. Had one of the lower ball joints replaced today and the squeak is gone.

Here's a pic of the inside with the boot removed. Mechanic says simply greasing it would be a band-aid solution as the joint has been worn.

[GilliamOS]

I'd suggest you spray each joint one-by-one with WD40 or similar and see when the noise goes away.

Beat me to it. I've done the same for years when tracking front end noises. Makes for quick ID'ing of the culprit.

[STA4]

Beat me to it. I've done the same for years when tracking front end noises. Makes for quick ID'ing of the culprit.

All the joints are sealed. I would have to puncture holes in the boots to lubricate them.

My mechanic got on the ground and felt the components while I turned the steering to isolate the problem.