Creaking noise on 03 Passat

[Jantzenkd]

Hello all

I've had a 03 Passat GLS for about 5 months now. Recently, I started to notice a creaking noise on the front right when i go over average size bumps or dips. The best description of this sound (that i could make) is the creaking you hear from jumping up and down on a bed. I had never heard this before, and i drive the same roads all the time. I have never hit mamoth pot holes either. The car is otherwise quiet except for the certain times when i hit these bumps. This sound doesnt happen anywhere else on the car. Any ideas? I brought into VW this morning, and they say they have checked the undercarriage, etc and nothing is wrong with my car. When i hear sounds like this, I really don't think everything is okay with my car.

[scstemp]

I have the same problem in my 2002 1.8t passat! They've tied greasing the shocks and even changing the shocks in the back tires. i always show it to them by swaying the car from side to side. They can't figure it out. Annoying.
Did they find the problem in your car?

[devinelight]

I have a 97 VW Passat GLX Wagon and my car was making this creaking noise also on the right front. My (very trusted) mechanic says it's the lower control arm bushings. Mine usually makes this noise when it's cold though. The control arm bushings are made of a really hard rubber and he said when they get old they lose their flexibility and they can make that noise. However, to replace them he would have to suspend the motor to remove a bolt (because the oil pan is in the way) and the labor alone would be around $165.00 for both sides. (I was going to have both sides done at the same time even though I was only hearing the noise on the right. The bushings (front & rear) are around $20.00 per side. I have decided to put up with the noise since the weather is getting warmer I don't hear the noise very often anymore. Hope this helps.

Sharon

[elean0r]

i've read in alot of websites that it has to do with the control arm. my 2001.5 passat started creaking, then it went away.. problem is, it always comes back! and now it's creaking worse than ever. it's getting scary. i have to bring it in, but i am worried they're going to charge me an arm and a leg. some sites say that they've gotten vw to pay for part of the repairs, and even fewer say they've gotten vw to pay for it entirely. mr. 2003 passat, you're still VERY well within the warranty. i'd get it fixed. they have to replace THE ENTIRE control arm system, and vw has already posted some kind of memo on this problem internally. if anyone has gotten around the problem in a better way, lemme know. i'm taking her in next week to get it fixed.

[weauxd]

I had the control arm replaced once on the r/f, will be taking it back in soon (1 year later) to do it again. Will post after it's done.

[dmbland]

I have the same creaking noise on my 99 passat turbo wagon, but it stops the second I step on the break, even very lightly. Would it be my breaks or the part described above? Thanks

[dmbland]

I have the same creaking noise on my 99 passat turbo wagon, but it stops the second I step on the break, even very lightly. Would it be my breaks or the part described above? Thanks

[Will12]

I think it's either your upper, or lower controls arms are getting bad, or also could be springs too.

[veedubmechanic]

Creaking noise is usually 99% of the time the lower "wishbone" control arm. Its the lower rear arm on the front suspension.
There are 4 control arms on theese 2 upper and 2 lower per side. Kits are available on ebay for about 500.00 for all 8 arms. Reccomend replacing all at about 90k+ miles as they all go bad and its easier to replace all at once than 1 at a time.

[dlistro]

My friend has an 02 passat that was also making a creaking noise.
We found out that it was an exhaust component. I think it is called a resonance tube. Kinda of looks like a large chinese finger trap. Anyways this flexible piece would creak if moved back and worth. Unfortunalety it can not be replaced unless an entire section of the exhaust is replaced.