Creaking suspension

[jsr]

Hi everyone,

My 94 Chimaera 400's suspension has really started creaking badly of late, but only when going over speed bumps.

There are loads of bumps round my way and even on my road and i'm sure they're gradually killing the suspension.

In normal use and cornering, it's fine, though does seem a little less composed.

Any thoughts on whether this is dampers, bushes etc?

[tahiti450]

Yup, My '99 450 has been doing this at the front mainly after standing for a week or so ever since i bought it at a little over 12000 miles (now on 21000) so unlikley bush wear etc (and all looks fine). Periodic spraying of all the bushes (not forgetting the upper shock bushes with teflonised nylon lubricant seems to work quite well (i got mine (the spray) from the local bike shop). Started doing this again after a long break only this week in fact, having been using it very little lately with all the salt on the roads. I suspect it represents "drying out" of the bushes. I was quite alarmed when i first heard it as it sounded like something was going to crack (visions of wishbone / chassis failure etc ).
Give this a try, but allow time for the lubricant to capillary into the joints before assessing the success of the operation.

>> Edited by tahiti450 on Monday 14th March 19:34

[spend]

Sure its not the Evaporative Emission Control system bouncing around cos its come of its mounting lug?

Dave

[parrot of doom]

Have a search for "Audi A4 front suspension problems" on the internet, I had exactly the same issue in my A4, turned out it needed full new suspension for both front wheels (warranty), the bushes dry out and hence the creaking.

It can be solved (I believe) temporarily by injecting oil into the bushes.

[GTvr]

check the anti roll bar on the rear wishbones mine had gone and i had the same creaking noises but only on bumps - might need welding up.