Subframe creaking or something else

[Moxy89]

recently had arbs and anti lift kit fitted, was fine for a while then got a horrid creaking from the front, slow cornering ( full lock ) braking ( coming to a holt) and pulling away. Does this sound like subframe issue ? Just also having a slight squeak from front brake so unsure if it could be a sticking brake but mechanic is sure it's not that!

 

[LEE69]

If any stretch bolts were removed, were they replaced?

 

[Moxy89]

If any stretch bolts were removed, were they replaced?

No mate, the subframe was removed and the standard bolts were refitted, didn't replace

 

[LEE69]

One use only i'd replace them and to the correct torque see if it stops.

 

[benevenden]

U need to lube the arb bushes mine done the same thing

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[Moxy89]

U need to lube the arb bushes mine done the same thing

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Done that and it went but now it's back, we fully removed the arb and the creak breaking and pulling away continued, it's either the anti lift kit of subframe

 

[Mario]

Subframe bolts are 1 use only as the are stretch bolts. What torque did you tighten them to?

Not got the manual infront of me, but I know on the B7 A4 it is 110nm + 90*, and that last 90* is crucial!! Manual says you must not drive without being fully torqued down with the final angle.

Will check what it says about the A3 when I get home, but probably going to be pretty similar.

This final angle causes the bolts to physically stretch (by fractions of a mm), but this then means the bolts cannot be re-used as there is risk of snapping when re-torquing down on the last 90* rotation.

 

[Moxy89]

No idea what there torqued to garage fitted them. I'm ordering the updated ones from aks

 

[ruairi83]

Had same noise etc I tightened the subframe bolts and noise went away.

Anyone a link or part no for the 4 bolts?

 

[leshkin]

Had same noise etc I tightened the subframe bolts and noise went away.

Anyone a link or part no for the 4 bolts?

Cheap option with non-stretch bolts - can solve the issue sometimes: https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/ecs-tuning/subframe-spacer-plates-kit-mk5-mk6-etc/

The expensive option - pretty reliable solution: https://www.akstuning.co.uk/tyrolsp...it-for-all-mk56jetta-gli-and-mk2-audi-tt.html

 

[Mario]

No idea what there torqued to garage fitted them.

In other words they were just slapped on with an impact gun to "that'll do" spec without a 2nd thought about proper torque specs.

 

[Moxy89]

With the dead set kit, do I need new bolts also ?

 

[Mario]

It looks like the kit comes with 2 bolts anyway, so I assume the other 2 bolts to be used are OEM ones. As such it looks like you'll need to buy 2 new OEM bolts and use the 2 that come with the kit also.

Torque it all up properly with a torque wrench and then whatever additional angle turn is specified in the manual.

 

[ruairi83]

Cheap option with non-stretch bolts - can solve the issue sometimes: https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/ecs-tuning/subframe-spacer-plates-kit-mk5-mk6-etc/

The expensive option - pretty reliable solution: https://www.akstuning.co.uk/tyrolsp...it-for-all-mk56jetta-gli-and-mk2-audi-tt.html

Option 1 it is mate.

Thanks for that. Will get them today

 

[leshkin]

Option 1 it is mate.

Thanks for that. Will get them today

Let us know how you get on with that - I'm starting to get noises too, so would be good to know if the washers and non-stretch bolts resolve the problem.

 

[ruairi83]

Let us know how you get on with that - I'm starting to get noises too, so would be good to know if the washers and non-stretch bolts resolve the problem.

I'd say they will bud as since I've tightened the orig bolts over month ago I've had no issues. Will mesage once done - thanks again

 

[Sam Axon]

The ECS tuning kit is brilliant, had them fitted to my mk5 gti.
Stopped the creaking and for £16 it can't be argued with.

I'd recommend them to anyone.

 

[DJ_26]

With the dead set kit, do I need new bolts also ?

Deadset kit comes with its own bolts and I believe they are high strength items made by ARP (same people who make the uprated head bolts and stuff in performance applications).