What could this creaking sound be? MK6 VW Golf

[lifterash]

2009 1.6TDI MK6 VW Golf Manual

Background: 180k miles on clock. New timing belt, water pump and clutch recently fitted. Serviced every 8k miles. Mine for 5 years, no big issues before now.

Car has been to two different mechanics multiple times who can't identify the sounds in the videos attached (crackling/creaking when "lurching" forward and traveling over both smooth and bumpy surfaces, occasionally creaky when steering). Initially thought it was originating from front left side but now seems to be more so from the engine bay? The front passenger top shock mount has been replaced and the CV joined lubricated to no avail. Seems to worsen as the drive progresses.

I feel like this sound was in the car to a lesser extent when it returned from the mechanic who fitted the clutch. Could it be something to do with this?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Link to videos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WbR_CtjQ2j...

[Scrump]

[zedx19]

Top mounts or wishbone bushes, very common on mk5/mk6/mk7 Golf's. Greasing them up can help if it bothers you, on a 2009 car with 180k on, I'd be inclined to turn the radio up.