S3 - Creaking & grinding - lots of noises

[Tommmygunnn]

Hello chaps,

Just after some thoughts. Last year I had an issue with steering grinding at low speeds, common issue with most cars so Nearside CV Boot was replaced and the issue went away, same noises came back 3 months later but as I now have a work van I just left the S3 parked up through the Covid lockdown as it wasn't getting used.

Im back in the S3 more now, and the same grinding noise is there, but I can also feel it through the pedals when turning at slow speed. The car also now makes a creaking sound when coming up to stop at lights, or going over a bump in the road at slow speeds, sounds like the whole chassis is creaking at the front nearside. Exhaust is fairly loud so makes heading things quite difficult unless going very slow.

On top of this, the steering feels much heavier than I remember. I don't know if it's because the van I drive is a 2017 plate or not, but the car is just very grindy, crunchy and creaky at slow speeds.

S3 has just been into the local VW AUDI "specialists" and had the CVBOOT on the opposite side replaceed, but still have the same noises present after driving it the next day.

Could possibly be the steering rack, but that wouldn't explain the chassis creaking etc.

Thanks for any input and help! Much appreciated.

 

[samuelh_888]

These cars are prone to the subframe knocking which could be the creaking noise, or it could be suspension top mounts at sway bar bushes.

This won’t be a grinding noise thought.

 

[goldy]

I had a similar noise when going over bumps, turning at low speeds etc.

Garage said drop links needed doing - haven't had the noise since! Fairly cheap too IIRC

 

[Charlie23]

Had creaking noise at low speeds, one of the front springs had snapped the end off and the top mounts where dry and warn. Changed everything H&R springs and brand new top mounts no more noise or creaking. Try this squirt abit of WD40 in to the top mount cups let it soak through do it a few times and see if the creaking goes away, if it does you know the answer

 

[Tommmygunnn]

Thanks for the info chaps i'm getting the car back today as the garage can't seem to replicate the issue which is quite frustrating as its certainly there and very obvious to me every time I drive the car. I'll definitely look at your suggestions. May need to find another garage to take a look as Im wanting to sell the S3 soon as possible.