Hi. My nearly 20 year old car is groaning.  It's just passed its MOT with flying colours and I did mention to them to check out the suspension as I noticed the noises. No problems found. Groaning persists. Honestly if I was a 20 year old car I'd probably groan a bit, but ideally I'd like to stop it.

 

So far I have taken off all wheels and liberally sprayed with penetrating lube and spray grease and more lube all of the suspension bushes, anti roll bars, drop links, spring cups etc. Absolutely no difference. I'd have expected some change however slight.

 

Any ideas?

3 hours ago, Golf-Fiend said:

penetrating lube and spray grease and more lube all of the suspension bushes

Brake fluid is a better lubricant than any grease or penetrating oil in these locations.

On 04/07/2024 at 17:46, Paws4Thot said:

Brake fluid is a better lubricant than any grease or penetrating oil in these locations.

 

Never knew that. However, brake fluid is not handily supplied in a pressurised spray form to reach those hard to get at bushes towards the centre of the car.

 

Anyway, car is still creaking a groaning and will need to drive it 1000 miles in 10 days. Unlikely to be able to book it into my usual garage before then  😞

In what circumstances? Just driving straight, cornering, turning? Can you work out if it's one side or both? May be shot bearings in the strut top mounts.

2 hours ago, Me-109 said:

In what circumstances? Just driving straight, cornering, turning? Can you work out if it's one side or both? May be shot bearings in the strut top mounts.

 

Sounds like OSF. It's more like going over bumps. Straight line is ok. Think it is antiroll bar bushes. Can't be top mount as had that OSF done less than 10 months ago. Don't think it is engine mount as had in on the handbrake and rolled forward and backwards in 1st and reverse but no sound.  Had rear consol bushes done 18 months ago so unlikely that. No sounds from steering going lock to lock when stationary.

 

Anyway, got it booked in next week at the garage as the following week driving to Scotland and around and back over 1200 miles and don't fancy listening to and worrying about the creaks and groans.

Well that's not to say that the quality of the replacement parts is any good. I had a Febi top mount fail inside12 months, but that sounded like the droplink had failed - clicking rather then groaning. Could easily be something daft like the rear bush rubber moving inside the casting. Hope they sort it for you.

Yeah, it's a shame I could get booked in with my usual garage that did the repairs 10 months ago as if the top mount had failed I would expect a bit of goodwill towards fixing it. They are booked up until mid August!  I've used this other garage recently for the rear hub bearing and ABS sensor as well as cambelt work before. They are a good outfit and specialise in all things VAG.  They are also 2 miles away rather than 10 so they might just become my new 'go to' place.

Garage recons I need a new shock. On back order so fitting in 2 weeks. I'll have to contend with the groaning till then. Also when the wife is out of the car too. 😉

So as I'm driving 400 miles to Scotland and back over the next week I thought what's the worst that can happen so I gave the shock a liberal spray of GT85 and under the plastic boot and up towards the top mount etc.  Went to get fuel for tomorrow and it appears the car is whisper quiet now and the groan/creak has gone. For the time being. As long as it lasts for the next 12 days I will be happy.

1400 Miles and some twisty, bouncy Scottish narrow lanes later and it is still quiet. I can detect a slight groan, but ever so slight.

 

Still got it booked in for a replacement shock to be safe.

Oh, and delivered a true 61.8mpg on 400 miles drive back (full to full) which is nice. BKD with 119k