"Crunch" or squeak from front suspension
#1
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"Crunch" or squeak from front suspension
Recently, my A8 has started to make a crunching/ squeaking sound. It is only pronounced under low speed compression, and only does it from a "cold" start (it's worst if the car sits at the airport for a day or two or three, but once I drive a few miles it pretty much completely goes away). It makes noise over a low speed speed bump, or dip (thus low speed compression), but I can't make it make noise by making hard S-turns at 30MPH, loading up each side, and it doesn't make any noise when hitting manholes.
Given that it goes away with a little bit of "use," I'm thinking a bushing somewhere, but I haven't had a chance to go dig around yet.
There doesn't seem to be any noticeable play in anything from a driver perspective, but obviously, something is worn.
Given that it goes away with a little bit of "use," I'm thinking a bushing somewhere, but I haven't had a chance to go dig around yet.
There doesn't seem to be any noticeable play in anything from a driver perspective, but obviously, something is worn.
#2
AudiWorld Super User
Try the usual:
in this order:
1. Front upper control arm inner bushings-- look for distortion, cracking and ultimately tear out. This is basically a when, not if, on any of the heavier Audi's w/ this general design. if you are at 60-75K miles, likely visibly worn by then.
2. Lower links that tie front roll bar to lower suspension -- look for distortion and elongation in bushing area. Will wear some w/ miles.
3. Rubber bushings on roll bar where it bolts up to body; can last a long time, but if it gets oil/grease soaked or some other fluke, could explain your noise.
4. Most anything left in suspension; can spray any selective suspect areas w/ silicone and see if creaking subsides; if so, you have your suspect part.
1. Front upper control arm inner bushings-- look for distortion, cracking and ultimately tear out. This is basically a when, not if, on any of the heavier Audi's w/ this general design. if you are at 60-75K miles, likely visibly worn by then.
2. Lower links that tie front roll bar to lower suspension -- look for distortion and elongation in bushing area. Will wear some w/ miles.
3. Rubber bushings on roll bar where it bolts up to body; can last a long time, but if it gets oil/grease soaked or some other fluke, could explain your noise.
4. Most anything left in suspension; can spray any selective suspect areas w/ silicone and see if creaking subsides; if so, you have your suspect part.
#6
AudiWorld Super User
I have this on both my A8's. Mind going into more detail exactly where it is/ where to spray. Possibly a picture if possible?
#7
I had the same issue (winter only) when passing over a depression a few blocks from my home on cold mornings. Kind of a "scrunching" sound that happened every day but only when the car was cold. The dealer would lubricate the upper control arm bushings when I would complain and that seemed to diminish the problem. A deeper fix would be expensive I'm sure. It was (no longer have the S 8) frustrating when that was the only car I owned that would "scrunch" when going over that same depression. McBucky
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#8
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http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-A8-D3...-/130592433684
#9
AudiWorld Super User
I had the same issue (winter only) when passing over a depression a few blocks from my home on cold mornings. Kind of a "scrunching" sound that happened every day but only when the car was cold. The dealer would lubricate the upper control arm bushings when I would complain and that seemed to diminish the problem. A deeper fix would be expensive I'm sure. It was (no longer have the S 8) frustrating when that was the only car I owned that would "scrunch" when going over that same depression. McBucky
#10
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My guess was the upper control arm bushings, but I had thought about sway bar bushings being a possible idea. I had not thought of the hood, however....
I'm off for a few days after this week, so I guess it'll be time to go look and play....
I'm off for a few days after this week, so I guess it'll be time to go look and play....