Front suspension creaks and groans

[Ubermensch]

I have a 2001 C4 MT coupe that has developed an annoying creaking a groaning sound from the front suspension. The noise generally only appears have the car has warmed up and been driven a few miles but is quite noticeable inside and outside the vehicle. The noise is not present during turning but is most obvious during low speed rolling in a parking lot or street driving. When I place my hands directly above the wheel and press I can replicate the noise on either side.

Quick search revealed that some people have had trouble with the sway bar connections loosening over time. I've check all the sway bar bolts and they are torqued to spec.

Unfortunately I can't replicate the noise once I have the car on stands so I can't narrow down the location. I suppose my next step is buying some ramps so I can load the suspension while I'm under it.

Any suggestions other than ramps?

Thanks,

Shawn

[zappiros]

I have a friend in my country, that experience the same problem, it was a metal noise under the front, only when the car warm up, I heared myself.... the Porsche dealer take the car and dissassembled the front completely, and they found loosing welding on some points of the chassis or the front body, they welded again and the problem was solve, but my friend return the car to porsche because he doesn't want it anymore, hope this helps

[Stefan]

It is probably the lower control arm bushings.

There are two ways to verify this:

(1) Have someone else push up and down on the corner of the car to reproduce the problem. While they are doing that, put your finger on the control arm near the bushing and see if you can feel it vibrating.

(2) Nail the control arm bushing with some lubricant (non-silicone) and see if the problem temporarily goes away.

This is a common problem. Unfortunately, you have to replace the control arm to fix it (there is no separate bushing for sale).

[Ubermensch]

It is probably the lower control arm bushings.

There are two ways to verify this:

(1) Have someone else push up and down on the corner of the car to reproduce the problem.  While they are doing that, put your finger on the control arm near the bushing and see if you can feel it vibrating.

(2) Nail the control arm bushing with some lubricant (non-silicone) and see if the problem temporarily goes away.

This is a common problem.  Unfortunately, you have to replace the control arm to fix it (there is no separate bushing for sale).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Which busing are you referring to? Here's a picture to reference...

[Richard Hamilton]

On mine I had some play in the ends of the anti-roll bar drop links (item 19) which caused a 'clonking' sound over bumps, particularly when warm. Replacements were not too expensive. I also had a squeaking/groaning sound, which was simply lack of lubrication of the anti-roll bar rubber bushes (item 17). Some silicone spray solved that one.

Edited October 17, 2005 by Richard Hamilton