Audi A3 2000 creaking and knocking sound

[nige1]

Hi

Have an Audi A3 1.8S (2000) which has been fine to-date. However, it's suddenly developed a knocking sound underneath and the occassional (but getting more frequent) creaking sound. I have ruled out the exhaust knocking, this is all secure and all as it should be. The knocking sound is worse over bumps and the suspension feels harder than usual (if that's possible?), feels like it's bottoming out?

Have been told it might be the bushes? but not being mechanically minded do not have a clue? Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

N

[audihater]

Hi

Have an Audi A3 1.8S (2000) which has been fine to-date. However, it's suddenly developed a knocking sound underneath and the occassional (but getting more frequent) creaking sound. I have ruled out the exhaust knocking, this is all secure and all as it should be. The knocking sound is worse over bumps and the suspension feels harder than usual (if that's possible?), feels like it's bottoming out?

Have been told it might be the bushes? but not being mechanically minded do not have a clue? Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

N
Sit the car in a garage with a nice flat clean polished or painted floor.

Get a friend to turn the steering whel while you're outside listening for the noise. More than likely one of your bushes in your lower or upper control arms has given up. when they turn the steerin wheel, you're putting just enough loading and moment on the bushing to make it creak. To be suer you've spotted the right one, spray some WD40 into it and it might go away, for a while, but then come right back in a few days.

More than likely, the knocking is the bushing twisting over.

I saw a place on ebay that sod JUST the bushes, but can't see them anymore. Try audipartsdirect.com . Usually, you'll find they stop selling the bushing and you have to buy the whole control arm.

I hate audis. Never again will I buy such a money pit of a badly overengineered piece of junk.

Good Luck.

[Sieyt]

Most good car factors will be able to supply you with just the bushes.