Rattling front axle, driver's side, Golf 3, what could it be?

Hello everyone,

The topic has been discussed many times, and while there have been many changes and innovations, nothing really seems to change.

"I'm experiencing a clunking noise on the front left side when driving over bumps. It only happens when encountering multiple bumps in a row. It sounds like it might be the tie rod, but it's already been replaced. Additionally, the shock absorbers and strut mounts have been replaced." Last year, the control arm bushings were replaced, both front and rear.
The TÜV (technical inspection agency) found nothing wrong, and neither did my handyman. I have absolutely no idea what that could be.

Could it perhaps be related to the dome bearings or dampers?

Greetings.
Reuselkopp.

Don't laugh:

Is the wheel properly tightened?
(That's why I spent a whole day searching like a fool.)

Otherwise: Wheel bearings?

m;

Hi,

I think the wheel is definitely tightened properly. I had already taken the wheel off a few times to have a look.

Wheel bearings? Are you sure? Otherwise, the wheels aren't making any noise at all. Not even when cornering. Only if there are ground waves.
I'm afraid it might be those cheap strut mounts from eBay. But I don't think that would actually cause any loud noises or disturbances.

"If I lift the body up near the fender and then press it down, I can also hear a 'tock' sound." Nothing can be heard on the right side.

It sounds very much like a ball joint that has come loose.


Normally, the stabilizer itself doesn't need to be replaced, but rather the stabilizer links .

Quote:

If I pull the body up near the fender and then press it down, I also hear a "tock" sound. There's nothing to hear on the right side.

It could be an indication of a loose shock absorber (specifically, the nut connecting the upper spring perch to the strut mount). This part tends to come loose when the piston rod rotates along with the upper nut during tightening (at the top of the strut mount).

I once had a brand new shock absorber that was already defective. When installed, you could hear a "clunking" sound coming from the top of the spring.
"New, with a warranty, and that was a good thing."

BM wrote:

Quote: If I pull the body up near the fender and press it down, I also hear a "tock" sound. There's nothing to hear on the right side. It could be an indication of a loose shock absorber (specifically, the nut connecting the upper spring perch to the strut mount). This part easily comes loose when the piston rod rotates along with the upper nut (at the top of the strut mount).

I would guess that too. That's exactly what I once experienced with one.
You can actually get it done pretty quickly with an impact wrench, even when it's standing still.

Hi,
So, just to make sure I understand correctly, you're saying that the nut holding the dust cover on the shock absorber might be loose? And when the shock absorber was installed, no wrench was used to hold the bolt in place. The items were all assembled using a power screwdriver (but I didn't do it myself).
You can try tightening the mother nut again while the shock absorber is in its uncompressed state, after removing the plate on the dome. Let's see if I can get that cap nut off with the limited tools I have.

Thank you and best regards.
Reuselkopp.

What???

Wasn't the piston rod secured?
UI, that's Rat (English: rat, German: Ratte, so it's nonsense)

For that, you specifically need an Allen key and a slotted nut. Then there were problems with the torque.

Or the luxury VW version with the slotted wrench.

m;

Hi.

Quote:

What ??? Wasn't the piston rod secured?

Yes, that also surprised me a lot. The mechanic said that the impact wrench would spin so fast that the connecting rod wouldn't be able to keep up. I was a bit skeptical about that, but I didn't think much more about it. So, it's quite possible that the mother isn't properly attached.

Greetings.
Reuselkopp.

dieselmartin wrote:

What?? That's why you specifically use an Allen wrench and a modified nut... Then there were problems with the torque. Or the luxury VW version with the slotted wrench. m;

or a nut with two flats for use with a wrench.
weld a handle onto the nut...

A deep-socketed ring wrench also works...

From the DIY tool-making thread:

[img]/download.php?id=986[/img]

meiredde, Marddin
edit: Martin, where can I find information about "DIY tools"? The search isn't turning up anything.

@Maddin,

How was the nut processed? Was this done with a metal file or with a rotary tool?

Greetings.
Reuselkopp.

30cm metal cutting saw, perfect eye measurement and a steady hand.
Exactly one 21-inch fork was produced. Otherwise, I would have made some adjustments.

I specifically bought walnuts from a hardware store because they are known to be very soft.
And not that many Nm are applied there.

m;