Just a quick update for all regarding the passanger and driver door creaking problem which has plagued my car since day one.

After a lot of thought, I took my A3 back to the dealer and explained the problem to the service officer. I asked that they take a drive with me in the car so I can identify the problem to them. No problem, they too heard the creaking and agreed that something must be done. Ok then I thought, this is good, they have recognised that this is a problem...

Gave them the key and went to work while they kept it there for a whole day to work on it. After work, went back to pick up the car and took the car home.

On the drive home it was quite clear that although slightly muted, the creaking gremlins were still there!!! Also found that they had smeared a type of oily type of product all over the door seals and around the top area of the door. I thought ok, this may need to dry or may need to soak into the door rubber and the door trim. No way! This **** is still there and there have been a number of times when I have touched this by accident and got it on myself!

Why smear this **** all over the doors? Does Audi put this liquid on the doors at the factory? I don't think so!!! Even if this oil stopped the creaks at all, then this would need to be applied at regular intervals. If this is the case, then Audi AG should be supplying a bottle or two in the glove box for all A3 owners!!! Again, I don't think so!!!! If anyone from Audi is reading, this CANNOT be considered a usable long term solution to a door creaking problem!!! I would hate to think what this material will look like with a little bit of road grime and dirt!!!

Well now its been over one week and instead of getting better, the problem is worse!!! Its now so bad, that it is WORSE than before my dealer touched my car at all!!! I AM SO ANGRY, firstly that they didn't fix it, but more importantly, they have made the problem WORSE!!! I plan to go back and complain and tell them what I think!!!

Can anybody help with any comments or any similar experiences? I have read a few comments in this forum. Am I dealing with a design flaw with the A3 doors? What should I do? Any suggestions?

Thanks and sorry about the long post!!!

John

..but it is not a solution John.

I had people saying "just turn the radio up" to me. But those were people who failed to understand what it's like to drive around a squeaky, creaky car. Especially when its an Audi, and you've shelled out a fair bit of dosh for it!

It's just not on. In fact I get so pissed-off with my car, I feel like getting rid of it.

On the slighty funny side, but still driving me mad, I can't turn my radio up! Because when I do, the drivers side speaker housing vibrates!

It really is ****e.

Alan
'99.5 A3 1.8T MS Silver

Hello John!

I had the same problem on my A3 '98. But together with my dealer we managed to almost solve this problem with the doors entirely. What we did was to adjust the top of the doors. We simply tinted them more towards the body. It is possible to adjust this on Audis. Secondly we cleaned the sealing at the top of the doors and added silicone on it. Now I do not have this creaking from the doors. If it comes back then clean and add some more. This will probably be the case only if the weather is very dry. This worked for me but I cannot guarantee that this will help you.

Ronny

AL- It really is ****e of a problem!!!

There have been times in the last week that I have turned up the volume just to drone out the creaks and noises because I was getting so cheesed of at the stupid noises and at the dealer who has really done a botch of a job!!!

The other day I was driving a friend home and I had to make sure the radio was VERY loud so they did not hear the noises and laugh at the **** quality of Audi.

I purchased the car not expecting it to creak and moan like a twenty year old Skodia!!!

Over the last few days I too have felt like getting rid of my A3, but I am not going to give up so easily yet!!! I just want problem fixed!

I am going to go back to the dealer as many times as it takes, document the whole saga and contact Audi.

AL- regarding your speaker vibrating problem, I suggest you go to one of those car hifi stores and get some sound deadening material that I am sure that will fix the problem quite nicely. Good luck chum!!!

John

What do you mean by: "We simply tinted them more towards the body."?
My windows have film of tint already applied.

Also, what do you mean by: "It is possible to adjust this on Audis" Are you aware how would I explain this adjustment to my dealer?

Thanks again for your post-

John

John,

About the problems. I'm sorry to hear you are still having trouble. But there is a glimmer of hope for you, because my squeaky door seals and creaking door panels are 99% fixed - at the moment.

I'm still getting a little taping sound from the passenger door area, which is annoying, but at the moment I'm going to leave it, as it's embarassing having the car in to the dealer every week. And I'm sure they are really pissed off with me and my car. But hey! We've paid for better build quality than this, and Audi haven't supplied it, so they are bloody well going to fix it!! So don't give up, take that car back, and back again, until you are happy!

Anyway on to how they've fixed my car. It's been a learning process for my dealer and the technician involved.

Re: Creaking door panels. They used a special lubricant on all contact surfaces between the door panel and the door itself. This is the lubricant:-

KRYTOX - part no: G052172A1
- its Audi supplied
- 15 ml bottle with fine applicator nossle
- cost..you won't believe this.. 33GBP + VAT
This solution is now an official solution, certainly in the UK anyway.

Re: Squeaky door seals
As with the previous post, trial and error adjustment of the upper part of the door. i.e. tilting in or out from the car. I think they may have replaced the little "furry" strip on the top of the doors too. Cleaned the seals and lubricated with KRYTOX the paintwork that the top of the door touches, and the rubber next to the furry strip.

Thats all I know. Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Alan.
'99.5 A3 1.8T MS Silver

<ul><li><a href="http://www.lubricants.dupont.com/">http://www.lubricants.dupont.com/</a</li></ul>

Sorry, I ment tilted not tinted. I have to check my spelling. You have to remove the door trim. Then there are three Torx, bottom back, bottom front and upper front. Untighten, adjust (tilt) and tighten.

Hope this is easier to understand.

Ronny

BTW. See posting by AL B.

What the hell's a silverchair CD?
the only rattle well squeak/creak actually I've had was on both front seat runners which went after I lubricated them with teflon grease. oh and the passenger side rear speaker cover which resonates on some mid bass dance tracks.

I spoked to my dealer about this lubricant and he ordered it from Germany. Now I have the bottle here but just to clarify, did they only apply the lubricant on the body work? My dealer told me to test it and if it is a success then they will use it on other cars with problems.


Ronny

THANKS for the info. I have rattles in my A3 and will recommend the part you suggest.