VCDS and OBD diagnostic device in the On-Board Diagnostics Shop
Diesel, Engine Technology and Vehicle Technology. Repair, Maintenance and Diagnostics (OBD).

Worn Track Bar Bushings: Symptoms & Fix

 
New Topic Reply 🔗 ⭐ 🖨 Dieselschrauber - Index » Transmission, Chassis, Body & Interior
Author Message
Thomas76
Guest




 


Free account, no CAN development support

Post04-06-2004, 13:07    Subject: Worn Track Bar Bushings: Symptoms & Fix Quote

Hello!
I'm having the following problem with my Golf TDI:
'When I drive over potholes or uneven roads, I hear a clunking sound coming from the front axle. The strut mounts, complete control arms with bearings, and ball joints are all new. When I turn the steering wheel while the car is stationary, I also hear a knocking sound. This cracking sound seems to be coming mostly from the front right side. I can't feel any play in the tie rod ends by hand. The steering itself also doesn't have any play. The wheels respond immediately. I've heard that this noise might be caused by worn tie rods. Apparently, there are some kind of dampers in the steering gear for the tie rods. Are you familiar with this? Or could it be that my steering gear is faulty? How are the tie rods actually connected to the steering gear, are they screwed on? I'm worried that the rods might have come loose from the steering gear during an alignment. Back then, the workshop couldn't loosen the lock nut. It would be great if you could help me.'
P.S.: My car has 230,000 kilometers on it.
Regards,
Thomas.


Translated on 11-10-2026, 21:50.
Back to top
Julian
Guest




 


Free account, no CAN development support

Post04-06-2004, 13:35    Subject: Worn Track Bar Bushings: Symptoms & Fix Quote

So, are the wheel bearings also new?

Shock absorber?


Translated on 11-10-2026, 21:51.
Back to top
Thomas76
Guest




 


Free account, no CAN development support

Post04-06-2004, 14:04    Subject: Worn Track Bar Bushings: Symptoms & Fix Quote

The shocks are only 1 year old. The wheel bearings are also in good condition.


Translated on 11-10-2026, 21:52.
Back to top
Cheffe
Blaumann
Blaumann


Joined: 05/15/2002
Posts: 37
Karma: +6 / -0   Thank you, like it!


Premium Support

Post04-06-2004, 16:22    Subject: Worn Track Bar Bushings: Symptoms & Fix Quote

Da werde ich mich doch mal in den Beitrag einklinken, habe ein ähnliches Problem, auch Golf III MKB:ALE, bei mir knackt es einmal, wenn man anfährt und nach links einschlägt. Es
"However, it's not possible to pinpoint the exact source of the cracking sound. The shock absorbers are new, the bearings in the control arms are in good condition or new, and the tie rod ends are also fine. The wheel bearing on the right side is also relatively new. Therefore, I suspect it might be coming from the left wheel bearing, but does anyone know of any other potential causes?"

Regards,
Boss.


Translated on 11-10-2026, 21:52.
Back to top Profile PM
olli
Profi-Schrauber
Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 05/24/2002
Posts: 581
Karma: +46 / -0   Thank you, like it!
Location: Berlin

Premium Support

Post06-06-2004, 20:54    Subject: Worn Track Bar Bushings: Symptoms & Fix Quote

Hi,

The cracking sound could also be caused by springs that shift slightly within the seat. In the past, the ends of the springs were sometimes encased in plastic tubes to prevent this.
Don't forget the constant velocity (CV) joints on the drive shafts, especially if you hear a cracking noise when starting with the wheels turned. Sometimes, cleaning them and lubricating them with fresh grease can help. However, I once had a case where a small hole in the boot allowed water to enter the joint (without spreading the grease in the wheel well), and in that situation, lubrication didn't work; the only solution was to replace the joint.

Best regards from Berlin.

Olli.
A6 CANA/JME /
'95 Cinquecento als Stadtgurke ~~ 124CS0 für den Sommer...
Ex-A6 AEL


Translated on 11-10-2026, 21:54.
Back to top Profile PM
New Topic Reply 🔗 ⭐ 🖨 Dieselschrauber - Index » Transmission, Chassis, Body & Interior
Similar articles and topics
Topic Forum
No new posts Intake Manifold Bracket Broken (1Z, AHU, AFN, ALE) Diesel Engine Technology
No new posts VA Noises? Worn Ball Joints - Diagnose & Repair Transmission, Chassis, Body & Interior
No new posts Timing belt pulley, KW brand, worn out - AFN engine Upload
This topic is locked, you cannot edit or reply. Golf 3 Door Hinge: What to Replace? (Solved) Transmission, Chassis, Body & Interior
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum.