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

[freddie2020]

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

[freddie2020]

Thanks, is that why the issue will get worse quickly, once the bush tears, will just get worse and worse very fast?

[freddie2020]

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......

[freddie2020]

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]

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?

[freddie2020]

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.