Creaking.... Normal???

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Sorry, more questions to put my mind at ease with the recently bought car, and also so I can take advatnage of the warranty if needed.....

Creaking steering! Is this normal??

I've noticed that when I turn the steering wheel to the left or right when stationary I hear quite a loud creaking noise.
It doesn't happen if the car is moving, only when it is at a standstill.

If I only turn the wheel slightly it does not make the noise, it only happens when the steering is turned enough to make the actual wheels turn on the ground... so a turn of more than a few degrees.

I was sure I noticed this on my last A3, but now I'm not so sure.

I can only describe the noise as a creak, and first of all I though it might of been the tyres rubbing on the ground as it only happens when stationary.
I've also noticed that after driving for a while the noise stops, or quietens down considerably. (Warmed tyres, less friction???)

So can some of you tell me if you get this creaking noise also when turning your wheel at standstill.

Cheers. :icon_thumright:
 
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It's always difficult to describe sounds.

Ok, maybe it's not a creak. A better way to describe the sound is...... it's a similar type of noise to when you rub wet skin on a bath. If that makes sense.
It's more of a deep squeak than a creak!! (no mouse jokes please!!!)


To be honest, I didn't even notice it until I was listening out for something else. Not sure how because it's quite loud.
 
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i have the same thing, back when it was snowing and there was ice on the road I could hear nothing while turning the wheel! but now if its when reversing out of the drive way or turning very slowly i can hear a creak.

i tried putting a bit of grease spray between the steering rack but don't think thats helped...dunno what it is, while drivng normally it's fine :sadlike:
 
V16 said:
i have the same thing, back when it was snowing and there was ice on the road I could hear nothing while turning the wheel! but now if its when reversing out of the drive way or turning very slowly i can hear a creak.

i tried putting a bit of grease spray between the steering rack but don't think thats helped...dunno what it is, while drivng normally it's fine :sadlike:
Click to expand...

Do you still hear the noise after driving the car for a while?? So, during parking up after a drive of more than say half hour??

Also, do you have a slight "clonk" when rocking the steering from left to right when stationary or when creeping along very slowly?
The two might not be related but I have noticed this also.
 
aythreee said:
Do you still hear the noise after driving the car for a while?? So, during parking up after a drive of more than say half hour??

Also, do you have a slight "clonk" when rocking the steering from left to right when stationary or when creeping along very slowly?
The two might not be related but I have noticed this also.
Click to expand...

when driving the car normally from a to b its fine, for example the other day for expample i drove 40 miles with my mate, slowly came up to a kerb so plant my car on, turning the steering wheel left u could hear the creak, even my mate was like wtf is that.
I read on some forums that it could need a new steering column/rack or something. If it's under warranty then you'll be fine, mines not anymore :sorry:

even if i'm reverse parking into a parking space i can hear it and i know this is not normal. so annoying!
 
V16 said:
when driving the car normally from a to b its fine, for example the other day for expample i drove 40 miles with my mate, slowly came up to a kerb so plant my car on, turning the steering wheel left u could hear the creak, even my mate was like wtf is that.
I read on some forums that it could need a new steering column/rack or something. If it's under warranty then you'll be fine, mines not anymore :sorry:

even if i'm reverse parking into a parking space i can hear it and i know this is not normal. so annoying!
Click to expand...

It's RAC warranty. They don't cover wear and tear, so what's the odds that they'll claim is it wear and tear!
3.5 years old, 40k miles...... they'd better not!
 
aythreee said:
It's RAC warranty. They don't cover wear and tear, so what's the odds that they'll claim is it wear and tear!
3.5 years old, 40k miles...... they'd better not!
Click to expand...

u haven't done over excessive milage but you know they'll most probably claim it as wear and tear. mine is 3.5 years old with 50k miles!.

how long have u had the car and has it been doing it ever since? I bought mine in december, but because of the snow/ice i couldn't hear while turning the wheel, but since it's stopped ohh how it's doing my head in.

i'm going to an audi/vw specialist 2moro about some whining noise coming from the engine....the list of problems continue! i'm gonna get the guy to check out this creaking problem to, most probably yours is the same fault so i'll let u know what he says, and how much £££ it will be :keule:
 
V16 said:
u haven't done over excessive milage but you know they'll most probably claim it as wear and tear. mine is 3.5 years old with 50k miles!.

how long have u had the car and has it been doing it ever since? I bought mine in december, but because of the snow/ice i couldn't hear while turning the wheel, but since it's stopped ohh how it's doing my head in.

i'm going to an audi/vw specialist 2moro about some whining noise coming from the engine....the list of problems continue! i'm gonna get the guy to check out this creaking problem to, most probably yours is the same fault so i'll let u know what he says, and how much £££ it will be :keule:
Click to expand...

I've only had the car a week! Thing is, I didn't noticed it until last night, when I was listening for something else. And now it's all I can hear!

I've called the dealer I bought it from and he has told me to bring it in to the garage joined to his dealership. But I think I'll take it elsewhere. He seems like a decent guy though so hopefully if it needs repairs that aren't covered by the warranty he'll sort something out without much fuss.

Have you noticed any clunking or knocking from your steering as well?? Especially at low speeds or at standstill??

Yeah mate, that would be great if you could let me know what the specialist says tomorrow!! :icon_thumright:
 
My S3 does this....took it in and the delaership told me it was the front shocks...replaced the front shocks yesterday and the noise has quietened considerably but i can still hear it...have a feeling its the steering rack....will see how it goes over the next couple of days....will let the shocks settle.

PS...my noise sounded EXACTLY the same as how you have described it...
 
aythreee said:
I've only had the car a week! Thing is, I didn't noticed it until last night, when I was listening for something else. And now it's all I can hear!

I've called the dealer I bought it from and he has told me to bring it in to the garage joined to his dealership. But I think I'll take it elsewhere. He seems like a decent guy though so hopefully if it needs repairs that aren't covered by the warranty he'll sort something out without much fuss.

Have you noticed any clunking or knocking from your steering as well?? Especially at low speeds or at standstill??

Yeah mate, that would be great if you could let me know what the specialist says tomorrow!! :icon_thumright:
Click to expand...

Ah mate theres no knocking noise, but now you've said that i wanna go and check. Theres definitely a creaking noise while turning the steering wheel left and right, it's to the point where i can't take it annymore. Sometimes i just turn the music up so i can't hear anything, but I do wanna get it sorted. the sound is noticeable there while parking and driving away, once i'm driving I can't hear it.

I guess you should take it to the dealer and show him yourself, if it's only been a week you should have no problems, i've left it 5 months so the dealer will most probably take no responsibility.
 
whiteunderarm said:
My S3 does this....took it in and the delaership told me it was the front shocks...replaced the front shocks yesterday and the noise has quietened considerably but i can still hear it...have a feeling its the steering rack....will see how it goes over the next couple of days....will let the shocks settle.

PS...my noise sounded EXACTLY the same as how you have described it...
Click to expand...

Hmmmm... the more I think about it the more I think my last A3 did make the same noise. Can't be 100% sure though.

Let us know if the noise eases any more over the next few days please mate. :icon_thumright:
 
V16 said:
Ah mate theres no knocking noise, but now you've said that i wanna go and check. Theres definitely a creaking noise while turning the steering wheel left and right, it's to the point where i can't take it annymore. Sometimes i just turn the music up so i can't hear anything, but I do wanna get it sorted. the sound is noticeable there while parking and driving away, once i'm driving I can't hear it.

I guess you should take it to the dealer and show him yourself, if it's only been a week you should have no problems, i've left it 5 months so the dealer will most probably take no responsibility.
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Give it a go mate. I can hear the knock when I twist the steering wheel from left to right, left to right, left to right, etc etc. Don't turn it far, just a few degrees, so basically like you are rocking it.
Each time it changes direction I hear a single knock. It's not loud and only happens when stationary. Can feel it slightly through the pedals too.

You might still be ok going back to the dealer. You've only had the car 5 months. I think you've got about 6 months to go back, and during that time it's more the responsibility of the dealer to prove that the fault wasn't there when you bought it. Sales of goods act or something... http://www.usedcaradvisor.co.uk/what-do-if-buying-used-car-goes-wrong.html
 
I know what you are going through. Forked out a fortune for a car and just want to address any potential issues in case it deteriroates into a monsterous repair bill.

I have this click/clunk noise when I tread or release the gas and sometimes the clutch. Quiet, but now I noticed it it's driving me insane. Booking it into the garage for Warranty. Fingers crossed it's covered.

Hope it all goes well dude!
 
aythreee said:
Give it a go mate. I can hear the knock when I twist the steering wheel from left to right, left to right, left to right, etc etc. Don't turn it far, just a few degrees, so basically like you are rocking it.
Each time it changes direction I hear a single knock. It's not loud and only happens when stationary. Can feel it slightly through the pedals too.

You might still be ok going back to the dealer. You've only had the car 5 months. I think you've got about 6 months to go back, and during that time it's more the responsibility of the dealer to prove that the fault wasn't there when you bought it. Sales of goods act or something... http://www.usedcaradvisor.co.uk/what-do-if-buying-used-car-goes-wrong.html
Click to expand...

I've covered 8,000 miles since I bought it, got a re-map and exhaust fitted a long with tints. Can't be bothered with the hassle of taking it back.

Hopefully the guy can sort it out tomorrow, he sounded like a friendly guy over the phone so hopefully everything turns out a-ok :rockwoot:
 
Pii said:
I know what you are going through. Forked out a fortune for a car and just want to address any potential issues in case it deteriroates into a monsterous repair bill.

I have this click/clunk noise when I tread or release the gas and sometimes the clutch. Quiet, but now I noticed it it's driving me insane. Booking it into the garage for Warranty. Fingers crossed it's covered.

Hope it all goes well dude!
Click to expand...

Same to you mate. Hopefully luck will be on both of our sides!


V16 said:
I've covered 8,000 miles since I bought it, got a re-map and exhaust fitted a long with tints. Can't be bothered with the hassle of taking it back.

Hopefully the guy can sort it out tomorrow, he sounded like a friendly guy over the phone so hopefully everything turns out a-ok :rockwoot:
Click to expand...

Yeah I guess with all that added it might be a bit of a pain trying to sort something out with the dealer.

Someone on here said a steering rack replacement is about £1500. :scared2:

Keep me posted mate.
 
£1500??? ****** hell, lets see what the guy says. if I do need a new steering rack then i'm gonna buy a tub of grease instead!!
 
I had something very similar - noise was also when going over speed bumps as well as steering occasionally - after much Audi messing about and front shocks swapped (made it better for a bit, but not gone)- turned out to be the front wishbones. Might be useful to know.... Definitely was a creak
 
damn aythreee your one awkward customer fella:laugh:
my A3 dont make any noise yet! it's a 2006 quattro with 30k on clock
 
mines nearly reached its 6th birthday and its never made a knock, creak or whatever from the steering. The passenger side seat belt adjuster on the B pillar however rattles like crazy sometimes but other than that no probs! :)
 
phil_w said:
I had something very similar - noise was also when going over speed bumps as well as steering occasionally - after much Audi messing about and front shocks swapped (made it better for a bit, but not gone)- turned out to be the front wishbones. Might be useful to know.... Definitely was a creak
Click to expand...

That's the thing, the car is pretty much noise-free when going over bumps etc.


antmax7 said:
damn aythreee your one awkward customer fella:laugh:
Click to expand...

lol... I think the dealer who sold me the car is going to end up hating me. I can be quite (very) fussy!
 
Lee_R said:
mines nearly reached its 6th birthday and its never made a knock, creak or whatever from the steering. The passenger side seat belt adjuster on the B pillar however rattles like crazy sometimes but other than that no probs! :)
Click to expand...

Show off!!!!!!!!! :nyah:
 
V16 said:
i'm going to an audi/vw specialist 2moro about some whining noise coming from the engine....the list of problems continue! i'm gonna get the guy to check out this creaking problem to, most probably yours is the same fault so i'll let u know what he says, and how much £££ it will be :keule:
Click to expand...

How did you get on mate?

I've listened to my "creak" more carefully and it's definitely NOT coming from the tyres, which I hoped was a possibility.
Can't seem to hear the noise from outside the car either, only from the cabin.
Also noticed it's not as bad, or sometimes doesn't happen, if I turn the steering wheel slowly.

????????????????
 
My S3 does the same..... its been in twice and they found some tech article and said it was fixed.... got it home and reversed into the garage and I hear the knock....

Still there!

My dealer is a fair way away and I dont want to be taking it back every day.... so I need to wait for it to get worse. Fortuantly car was brand new and will change after 3 years so will always be under warranty....

Does not seem to affect anything.... still handles like its on rails! :)

I'm just enjoying the car!
 
Mine is exactly the same mate.
Creaking from lock to lock, slight knock when rocking the wheel.

Its been checked 3 times and the `Master Tech` claims it is normal.

The car drives fine so Im not really *****.

IMO I wouldnt worry about it, get it mapped and go and enjoy it.

Good luck
Paul
 
PaulAr said:
Mine is exactly the same mate.
Creaking from lock to lock, slight knock when rocking the wheel.

Its been checked 3 times and the `Master Tech` claims it is normal.

The car drives fine so Im not really *****.

IMO I wouldnt worry about it, get it mapped and go and enjoy it.

Good luck
Paul
Click to expand...

So the creak and knock are probably related then.

Mine drives fine too, but while i've got a "chance" of getting it fixed under warranty I'd like to have it looked at.

Think i'm going to take it to the local independent VAG specialist. £35 to check it out instead of £125 from Audi.

I'll let you know if they find the cause as yours sounds like it going to be exactly the same.
 
i know this is a long shot but i know on some JAP cars the suspension struts have to be fitted a certain way (arrow on strut needs to be pointing away from car) other wise when you go from lock to lock it knocks.
never seen a a3 suspension so it's just a though :icon_thumright:
 
Bit of an update....

Took the car to a VAG specialist yesterday and whilst he couldn't come up with an exact cause of the creak he has told me what is causing the knock when rocking the steering.....

....needs a new steering rack!!! So that's £1100 supply and fit.

He said that he checked out everything else and there was no play/noise from any other component and the knock was deffo coming from the rack.

He's going to contact my warranty company (RAC) on Tuesday and hopefully get the work authorised.

Only problem I can see is that the warranty company may try to claim that the problem was already present when buying the car (only three weeks ago) which means they won't pay out. Which would mean having to go back to the dealer (independent, not audi) and trying to sort it out, which I don't really want to do, for a couple of reasons.
Obviously I'm going to say to RAC that the problem only occured since buying the car, but somehow I don't think this is going to be a smooth ride!
 
Hi, i've got exactly the same issue but with a mk5 golf tdi 140.
Did the steering rack solve the problem.
My mechanic says that I have electronic power steering which doesnt have fluid reservoirs to top up....isn't yours the same?
 
Holy thread revival! Joking :)

Your mechanic is correct in saying there is no fluid as the steering is an electromechanical unit (no pump or hydraulics involved).

Before assuming the steering rack is at fault I'd suggest lubricating all of the steering & associated suspension rubber components. I had the same creaking with my steering & was convinced the rack was shot, after a quick squirt of Teflon oil on all the rubbers (& top bearings) it stopped & hasn't returned since.
 
Definitely thread revival here! But you know what, I have the exact same creaking/squeaking/rubbing noise. Know exactly what it is too. The rubber CV boots, they are perfectly fine, just creak, especially if stationary and then putting the steering on full lock and moving gently forward or back. Lubricate them as above and see if it disappears for you.
 
max69vk said:
Holy thread revival! Joking :)

Your mechanic is correct in saying there is no fluid as the steering is an electromechanical unit (no pump or hydraulics involved).

Before assuming the steering rack is at fault I'd suggest lubricating all of the steering & associated suspension rubber components. I had the same creaking with my steering & was convinced the rack was shot, after a quick squirt of Teflon oil on all the rubbers (& top bearings) it stopped & hasn't returned since.
Click to expand...



Thanks guys. Car in for mot in couple weeks so will tell mechanic to lube up. Will update if it gets sorted or not.
 
p_lahel said:
Thanks guys. Car in for mot in couple weeks so will tell mechanic to lube up. Will update if it gets sorted or not.
Click to expand...

Yeah if you could let me know if lubricating suspension/steering parts makes a difference that would be much appreciated as I think I may just have the same issue...
 
The racks do make a creaking noise sometimes tbh.

TBH check the front arb rubber, spray it with some wd40 as this can start to creak with road crap getting in there.

Mine does it & I stuck some wd40 in there & it was better straight away, but to make sure it disappears 100%, you need to remove the bracket which needs drilling out due to it beiing welded or the like together, which allows you access to the rubber bush as such.
 
I had a creak for a while coming from the steering column (sounded like it was just inside the dash), like metal rubbing on rubber ... went away after a bit and only happened when stationary or parking slowly ... like 2mph
 
I've noticed a creaking/ rubbing noise coming from my steering rack too.. Seems like quite a common issue but it hasn't affected my cars performance as of yet...
 
Ads said:
Do you still hear the noise after driving the car for a while?? So, during parking up after a drive of more than say half hour??

Also, do you have a slight "clonk" when rocking the steering from left to right when stationary or when creeping along very slowly?
The two might not be related but I have noticed this also.
Click to expand...

i have all of the above...knocking when turning the wheel side to side when stationary and creaking when pulling off the drive a v.low speeds.
mines also in its 30day warranty period.
 
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