Clunking Sound going over bumps + free play in the steering.

Clunking Sound going over bumps + free play in the steering.

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freddie2020

Original Poster:

76 posts

73 months

Sunday 18th August 2019
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Hi,

My second post on my 2009 Golf MK 6 GT TDI 140 manual.

There is sort of a heavy "clunking" noise, going over say alot of small potholes, cannot notice it on larger bumps.

I am led to think it could be the lower rear wishone bushes, also when the engine is off and sat still, with key in 1st position, so no steering lock. Then move the wheel aggressively left to right, there is some free play, and a very clear knocking noise, at the point of changing direction.

If it is the console bushes, might I be correct in saying as my car has the 18" factory wheels, plus being a diesel with a heavier nose. That over time those bushes will have taken a greater hammering, than say a 1.6 petrol model on the smaller wheels?

Compared to my previous cars (Volvo 850 and MK1 Ford Focus), the brakes on the VW are so much sharper and powerful, so my driving style would have changed to brake harder and later, putting more pressure on those rear wishbone bushes, so would wear out faster. I would say I do not drive the car heavy accelerating, but I do lean on the brakes quite heavily in normal driving, such as approaching a roundabout, with the ABS kicking in quite often.

Also last MOT both front shockers, have the "light misting of oil" advisory, this might add to the console bushes wearing out.

Probably should have the front WB's and shockers replaced, as the garage suggests, but it is interesting and fun to ask the forum on these issues, or what has lead to them.

Thanks

Edited by freddie2020 on Sunday 18th August 23:27


Edited by freddie2020 on Sunday 18th August 23:33


Edited by freddie2020 on Sunday 18th August 23:45

Sheepshanks

32,764 posts

119 months

Monday 19th August 2019
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VAG console bushes don’t seem to last 5 mins - were torn at 30K on an Ibiza we had and wife’s Tiguan just had new ones at 18K, although VW did cover that (but I think only because the dealer pushed it with them).

There is VW TSB to say oil misting is OK. I guess they were having to change too many shockers under warranty.

freddie2020

Original Poster:

76 posts

73 months

Monday 19th August 2019
quotequote all
Thanks, is that why the issue will get worse quickly, once the bush tears, will just get worse and worse very fast?

cuprabob

14,621 posts

214 months

Tuesday 20th August 2019
quotequote all
Could be strut top mounts and/or bearings.

Condi

17,195 posts

171 months

Tuesday 20th August 2019
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I would go with the garage, as it could be anything. Bushes, broken spring, mounts, etc....

As far as 'light misting of oil' its common with Audi/VW shocks. My MOT said that for 3 years (at least), before they had to be replaced. If they've gone (ie no longer damping the spring) then replace them, otherwise just leave them.

freddie2020

Original Poster:

76 posts

73 months

Thursday 22nd August 2019
quotequote all
OK thanks I was going to replace the shocks, but only 100k mainly A road commuting I was not convinced, having heard what you said will leave them alone.

Might just pop to a my local VW specialised - Midland VW for a look over.

I want to avoid, replacing one thing, does not work, then replace another does not work ect......


Condi

17,195 posts

171 months

Thursday 22nd August 2019
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Not sure where you are, but VASTEC based in Warwick are good.

freddie2020

Original Poster:

76 posts

73 months

Thursday 22nd August 2019
quotequote all
Based in Shropshire mate.

Had the same issue on my MK5, but changed TR ends, ARB bushes, loose steering rack ect.. went on and on but the issue kept coming back.

Will run it passed a VW specialist, who see the same cars day in day out, rather than a local that sees all sorts.


Thanks

freddie2020

Original Poster:

76 posts

73 months

Thursday 5th September 2019
quotequote all
cuprabob said:
Could be strut top mounts and/or bearings.
Thanks, if it was bearings would I not get the humming noise of worn bearing?

cuprabob

14,621 posts

214 months

Thursday 5th September 2019
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freddie2020 said:
cuprabob said:
Could be strut top mounts and/or bearings.
Thanks, if it was bearings would I not get the humming noise of worn bearing?
No, I was referring to the bearings on the top of the strut not the wheel bearings.

freddie2020

Original Poster:

76 posts

73 months

Tuesday 10th September 2019
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Got the car back from new wishbones, consoles bushes, and the other bush on wishbone not sure what it is called.

What a differance! Did not have a courtesy car in between so had a real good before and after comparison without getting used a bit to another car.

Tracking seems fine now, left console bush was split probably causing this, going back in a couple of weeks for tracking once new bushes worn in.

Thanks for the advise.