strange creaking

[hybridshooter]

I bought my 96 tsi awd about 2 weeks ago. It was making an aweful creaking noise in the driver side suspension. I bought the car from a shop, and the owners told me it was the bearing cap from not being driven for a while, and it may even stop just from driving it a while. I've been doing research and it sounds like the ball joint or control arm. Here is where things get wierd....when I drove the car early in the morning (brisk outside) or later in the evening (also chilly) it wouldn't make the noise. Now the weather has changed and its in the 50*s here, and the noise is completley gone all the time. Should I be looking for the problem still, or just assume it was the bearing cap and kind of fixed itself?

 

[wret]

Everything you describe is consistant with my experience with worn ball joints. The severity of the creaking changes with temperature and use (often getting worse after a lengthy drive). Check to see if the recall replacement has been performed. Even if it has, some have been able to convince the dealer that the recall should assure lifetime replacements...cough...jtoby. Either way, get it fixed.

 

[jtmcinder]

I didn't bother to reply since I'm rather tired of asking: "Was the recall done?"

- Jtoby

 

[hybridshooter]

Thank you guys for replying, I appreciate the info. I'm checking out the ball joints, and getting it taken care of. It's really strange, because now with the cooler weather there is absolutley no noise at all. Thanks again.

 

[EclpzLvr97]

My creaking noises are from my Prokit springs. I got them used with a tad of rust on then. I noticed when going over speed bumps it creaks. Maybe it could be that too? But mine does it all the time....regardless of outside temp. Just a thought.