Golf 4 TDI Front Noise - 85KW

Hi there,
I'm experiencing a catastrophic clunking/knocking sound in the front axle when driving over minor bumps. Replacing the control arms with ball joints and tie rods didn't solve the problem.
The right front lower control arm has a bit more axial play, but I'm also hearing the noise on the right side. The strut mounts and rubber bushings of the shock absorbers still seem to be in relatively good condition.

Is there a disease that could cause this? Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms?

##Greetings##

Hello,

What is the model year and mileage of the vehicle?
Does the noise also occur when driving around curves?

It's a 2000s model with 100,000 km on the odometer. The noise actually occurs whenever the car drives over short, hard bumps. The wheel bearings are also in good condition and have no play.

Hello,

Have you also checked the stabilizer links?

Yep! That was the first one.

Hello!

My G4 is also an 85kW PD-TDI model from December 1999 with approximately 150,000 kilometers (about 93,000 miles). It makes the same clicking and clattering noises.

I specifically asked the inspectors at the TÜV about it, and they didn't find anything. Everything actually looks solid and well-maintained.

The noise doesn't occur when I'm driving around curves!

Best regards,
Gero.

Hello!
'I also have this rattling sound in my Golf IV (TDI 90hp), manufactured in 1999, with 90,000 km on the odometer. The rattling occurs when I drive over manhole covers, etc. It sounds like something is loose and rattling against something. I haven't been able to find the cause yet. Please provide more tips, because the noise is annoying!'
Best regards, Pit!

Hi,

I may not be familiar with the specific construction of the shock absorber assembly in these models, but it's possible that a loose screw cap on the shock absorber is the issue. Try tightening this screw cap (located where the shock absorber comes out of the assembly) with a good pair of pliers (preferably with the vehicle raised). The shock absorber mounts at the top can also wear out, which can be detected by "play" when manually compressing and releasing the suspension.

Hello,

I finally figured it out. The cause of the rattling is the stabilizer bar bushings and their attachments. While they often still look good, there have been changes in the attachment brackets and bushings made by VW.
Now everything is running smoothly again, and for the first time in a while, I'm really enjoying driving (especially since the new mass airflow sensor has restored the engine's power).

Greetings.