Any updates on suspension squeaks/chirps?
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Any updates on suspension squeaks/chirps?
Any news on the suspension noise problem?<br>As reported by others, I've got the sharp squeaks (chirps) when going over small bumps.<br>The last I heard it was the control arms, or was it the ball joints, or maybe the bushings, or just the brakes!?!?!<br>I would love to get the final word on this (if there is such a thing).<p>JP McGrath<br>'97 1.8TQM/Neuspeed chip/Heated mirrors ice-cold (can I assume the washer nozzle heaters are gone too?)
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Answer to suspension squeaks/chirps
My A4, formerly full of squeaks and groans in the front end, is now blessedly silent. At my first visit to the dealer, the service writer took it for a drive, said "Yep, it's the front end all right", and then ordered parts. Four weeks later, I returned to the dealer and some of the front end parts were replaced (A-arm/control arm bushings), but the creaking was worse. The dealer knew it and already ordered the remaining parts. Five weeks later, the remaining parts were replaced and the problem solved. <p>I read one post during this episode which described a 10 piece kit, replacing virtually all of the moving parts. My dealer was a bit coy about it, but told me that lower control arms and ball joints were replaced. I have to guess that upper control arms may also have been replaced. Anyway, it is all better now. According to my dealer, the design was refined after the first year and the problem is rare (in the less than 5% range) but who knows. My car, a "96, had the problem when I bought it used with 36K miles on it (the broker who sold it to me must have squirted some WD 40 in there just before he sold it because the problem popped up 2 weeks after purchase).<p>Anyway, there is hope, just keep taking it back until it doesn't squeak any more.
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Same here...
I had the same problem with mine. The creaking appered after I changed tires from winter to summer. The movement of the arms that occurs when lifting the car was probably the thing that fired it off. I guess it was just a matter of time though.<p>I've described my problems in earlier posts, I won't bother to do it here again...<p>/Lars
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
I had the same but solution was simple...
I finally have gotten my 97 fixed after a year. Here is what happened withmy problem:<p>15K service, I go to Pass & Wesiz in Burlington, tell them about squeaks over bumps. Also tell them that I can minimize the noise by slightly applying the brakes. They say that the brake pads needed anti-squeal compound. They claim to have removed all the pads and applied a fresh coating. Problem goes away for about a week and then returns. This was in the days before people knew about the multi-link problems so I figured it was the brakes then.<p>Fast forward to my 30K service (forgot about it at 22.5K due to winter and windows being up all the time). I bring the car to my normal dealer, AE Park in Lawrence and ask them if they know anything about the multi-link problem. They say, "yep, we have had to change a few parts on a few cars". I say great, and tell them about the squeak and my P&W experience and that I am worried that I might have a problem with the multi-link susp. They call me back during the day and tell me that my brake pads barey had *any* anti-squeal compound on them (so much for P&W telling me they did the work). They were able to produce the noise on the lift by hitting the tire with a rubber mallet. Inserting a shim in the brake pad (for testing only) caused the noise to cease. They then removed the pads and applied a *generous* amount of anti-squeal compound and I have been squeak-free since (and very happy not to be driving a 30K squeakmobile)!<p>Before going to the dealer, find a parking lot which has some defects and run the car over the bumps so you can hear the squeaks. Now run over the same bumps and very lightly apply the brakes. If the noise goes away, then you may just need some anti-squeal compound. If not, then you may have the more ominous multi-link problem. Anyways, good luck on getting the problem fixed.<p>BTW, looking at your email address - are you a fellow Boston area A4 owner?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Brett in Knoxville
A4 (B5 Platform) Discussion
1
10-17-2005 09:35 AM
[ej257]
A4 (B5 Platform) Discussion
13
08-21-2002 10:52 AM
scott12v@pghaudi
A4 (B5 Platform) Discussion
4
09-17-2001 04:03 PM