My front suspension likes to pop and creak when coming to a complete stop. I just did the control arms/swaybar links/TRE's last month. I am assuming something is either too tight or too loose.

I hate to leave something like this, but I do not have the facilities to fix it myself right now... I am at school, living in the dorms. I would rather not pay someone to do it. (Plus every shop here in town that I have asked wont even LOOK at my Audi, 300+ miles from dealer/known indy)
Is this going to cause damage to the links if I leave them torqued wrong?

 

the point that the front sway bar bolts to the U-shaped suspension link. That bolt tends to come loose unless you use LockTite on it.

It should accessible under the car without removing the lower engine cover. If you are really pressed, use the poor man's lift--just drive one set of wheels up onto the sidewalk/curb where the street is clean and scoot under the car for a look. Off the top of my head, I think it may be a 15 mm bolt. Even with a crescent wrench you could check it. It can take certainly the kind of torque you would apply with any typical hand wrench as long as it isn't some huge socket drive.

For reference, the torque on the various bolts shouldn't be as critical as I think you are thinking--it's either tight and holding or it's not. Yes, I am careful to use a torque wrench, but I'm being practical with the field conditions you are in. Reasonable wrench pressure is what you are looking for if you are on your own without a lot of $$ or mechanics' help. You can pretty much visually inspect the whole front suspension by turning the wheels left and then right. About the only thing buried is the sway bar bolt up points to the engine subframe/body, which are behind the lower engine cover. You can also turn the wheel left and right with the car on listening and watching for clues--watch for any sudden movement like it pops to a new position and maybe with a noise--as a clue something is loose or still worn. If not yet obvious, have someone else turn the steering wheel while you look at it visually. Just DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES put your hand or face in there while someone is moving it--keep your distance safe.

Good luck. Again, check the two sway bar bolt up points at the ends as my best first guess.

Oh yeah, and a dumb second suggestion (been there done that once in my school days) is actually check your wheel lug bolts. If slightly loose you may not have obvious vibration yet, but you could start to get creaking noises under load.

 

Wow, Thanks! I will try some of your suggestions this saturday.

 

my local mechanic says not to worry about it, if i have $$ to throw away fine; but then again i am also a student and i have spend a lot of $$ on repairs already. Ive done tbelt, plugs, tranny fluid, camgaskets, brakes.. well its been arounf 3K in repairs.

I think the problem is in the bushings which are noisy, mechanic says "could be" use WD40...

Now whats the deal with the wheel bolts? DO they squeak when tightend to much or too lose?

Thanks

 

Nice to hear someone else is paying out the Butt for repairs and going to school.

If the squeaking isnt too bad, like mine, I would leave it till you do have the money to throw at it.

I only do work in the summer, unless its vital stuff.

 

Loose bolt. I have a picture of it in my profile. You'll hear it (and see it move) if someone shakes the car sideways (grab roof rails) while your under it. Hardest part is getting the belly pans off.