1999 Audi A4 creaking noise up front

AUDIAMY

MEMBER
1999 AUDI A4

Drive Train Axles Bearings problem
1999 Audi A4 6 cyl All Wheel Drive 115, 00 miles

I have been hearing this creaking noise coming from the front end of my 1999 audi A4 for a few weeks. Brought it in and they diagnosed bad right front wheel bearing. Replaced it for 450 bucks and I drove off and sound disappeared. :) After 500 miles later, sound now back and louder. Only hear at lower speeds. Sounds like an old boat creaking over waves in the ocean. Sounds suspensory. If left wheel bearing going now, how come they didn't let me know last week? Could it be my control arms going? I was told they would have to be replaced soon, but the recent noise was apparently due to the wheel bearing instead? Am I getting ripped off here? Bad mechanics? I'm scared to drive this car now but NEED it for travel to work. Help!

1 Reply

DUBTECH

MECHANIC
159 POSTS

Unfortunately diagnosing a noise over the internet is a little tough.

The act of them disassembling part of the suspension when doing the wheel bearing probably temporarily fixed the creak because they moved the offending part.

It could be a tie rod or ball joint. I have also seen an improperly torqued subframe make a lot of noise.
You'll need to bring it back or find a shop you are more confident in. Either way, it will require a hands on approach to determine the source of the noise.