Front Axle Noise: Causes and Solutions

Hello,

'Recently, I've been hearing a slight clicking noise on the left front axle of my car when starting to drive. The same thing happens when I brake! Does anyone have any advice on what this could be? The car is a Seat Ibiza GT TDI, engine code AFN, with 176,500 km on the odometer.'

Best, Boro.

It's hard to say. It could be a faulty control arm bushing. However, it could also be something related to the drivetrain or transmission. It's best to put it on a lift so you can properly diagnose the issue.

Are the wheel bearings okay? Are the axle joints okay?

I once had a similar problem. There was a cracking sound coming from the front axle when there were sudden changes in load (e.g., accelerating from coasting in 1st-3rd gear and then braking).

Ich habe 2 Motorlager getauscht (vorne Gummilager und hinten rechts Hydrauliklager). Hat aber nicht wirklich was gebracht. Dann immer wieder die Schrauben der Vorderachshalterung immer fester gezogen. Irgendwann im letzten Winter war das Problem plötzlich weg und ist auch bis jetzt nicht mehr aufgetaucht. Good luck!

I can't say for sure what the exact cause was, but I think it was probably the screws.

Wow, thanks for the quick replies! I'll check that right away and tighten the screws.

It makes a distinct cracking sound, especially when you're rolling in first gear on a downhill road, you give it some gas... *crack*, and then quickly take your foot off the gas, which engages the engine braking... *crack*... It's not loud, but it's definitely noticeable!

A friend suggested it might be the shock absorber bushings!! They were just recently replaced!!

Thanks to everyone!!!

Best, Boro.

I once thought it might be the strut mounts. I replaced the shock absorbers at that time. However, I applied a generous amount of grease to the strut mounts and made sure the springs were properly seated against the stops during installation. I also checked again (verified the stops and the ends of the springs), but didn't find anything unusual. You could still try loosening the shock absorbers, perhaps apply some talcum powder, and then tighten them again. It should be fairly quick.

The following screws secure the rear suspension on a Golf III: 2 screws on the left and right sides that are visible (size 18 or similar), 2 screws that are accessible through openings in the control arm (also size 1, and at the front, 2 screws on the left and right sides (size 16) that secure the front engine mount to the longitudinal member.