Steering wheel creak when brake pedal pushed

B6/7 S4/RS4
#1

I tried doing a bit of searching but i get conflicted results.

I noticed that when push the brake pedal in and turn the steering wheel (like a light or stop sign) i get a creaking sound coming from the front end. The sound also is noticeable when coming to a stop.

However, if the car is in park or neutral i DO NOT get this sound. Anyone have any ideas?

The sound is comparable to do a creaky wooden door being open and closed.

Let me know if there is something else i should be keeping my eye out for (other symptoms maybe) The car generally is squeaky from all the mounts and bushing ive put on but this is new and im curious if something is beginning to go that im just not aware of.

#2

Sounds like its doing it when the suspension is under load. Generally that happens when in a breaking siuation and the car noses over.

Just to make sure this dosent happen when your at a complete stop and hit the brake pedal correct

#3

It does happen at a complete stop WHILE pressing the brakes. But as someone else mentioned, because its an AUTO that it is under load at that point. When in park it does it but its so quiet its BARELY noticeable. Im thinking maybe i just need to get under the car and lube up my Sway bushings?

#4

Well sure the car is under load but if your not moving and that should have no effect on steering. but it sounds like it does. it sounds like there is something going on with the rack or the control arms possibly. If you hit the brakes it can be something in the suspension causing a geomitry issue and then the creak. Is the noise more dominate on one side of the car vs the other.

#5

It does seem to be more on the right side. I replaced the uca and lca about a year and a half ago with 034 stuff. Also replaced upper strut mounts with 034 stuff too. But those are older. Like 3 years older. I also have the 034 front endlinks for the sways BUT they are the older version with the poly bushings. Im wondering if the poly bushing just need some greasing.

I also just had the front right axle worked on (ripped the boot and had it replaced by a shop). Would a cv joint make a noise like that?

#6

Its possible but if your at a dead stop there should be no movement. But did this just pop up after the CV replacement

#7

My outer boot was torn and i had the boot replaced. Didnt seem to have this issue before now that i think about it. In my head i just thought it was getting colder out so more creaking than usual. I will email the shop and ask what they think.

#8

Yes usually the last work that was done on the car might have caused or changed something that would cause this .This dosent sound like something that would normally just pop up

#9

So the boot that was replaced was leaking/seeping grease on the very end of it. No tears but it seemed the clamp just didnt get tight enough maybe. The stop took it back no questions and as they always do, showed me what they did to fix it, why it was having an issue and didn’t give me any hassle at all.

They explained that the OEM rubber is just superior to anything aftermarket, even OEM approved ones arent the same.

They replaced the entire boot again, and bought a special tool and stronger bands (they showed me the tool and all) and said any issues bring it back and we will figure it out.

If anyone is in the Tri State (NY, CT, NJ) i HIGHLY recommend Tyrol Sport. The guys there are just awesome.

#10

Nice to hear you got this sorted out.

#11

So far it appears so. I drove it home the other with no noise whatsoever. Ill post up in here if for some reason it decided to come back.