Front axle noises, Golf III TDI, 81 kW

Hello everyone,

In the fall, my Golf III TDI, which had faithfully run for 200,000 kilometers, started making a loud noise at the front wheels. The squeaking sound disappeared when I braked.
Also Radlager bestellt, Stoßdämpfer waren eh fällig und die Vorderachse zerlegt, neue Radlager eingebaut - ausgebaut übrigens mit 16mm Gewindestange, eine sehr starke Unterlegscheibe auf der Außenseite und eine zurechtgeflexte/gefeilte/gesägte U-Scheibe fast so groß wie das Lager innen, so ist das Radlager gelockert, der Rest dann mit Schmackes rausgeklopft. ReiPlease provide the text you would like me to translate from German to English. I need the text to be able to give you a translation.

Okay, so the wheel bearings are installed, and the shock absorbers too. However, I still occasionally hear a noise (mostly on the left) after driving for a few kilometers, and there's also a vibration, especially in right-hand turns. I just went to the TÜV (German technical inspection), and the steering has no play. And like before, the noise disappears when braking.
Does anyone have any other ideas?
Could it be that the brake cylinder on the left side is possibly being relieved too much, causing the pad to 'float'?
I noticed that the tread on the right side is slightly more worn.

Thank you.
Stefan Krissel

It could also be the drive shaft joints. If those are worn out, it's going to be an expensive repair. Mine are also making noises and vibrations. I'm going to buy some new boots, verschandeln the joints, and re-grease them; hopefully that will prevent further wear.

Okay, thank you, I hadn't thought of that because regarding braking, but yes, when braking, I do take some load off the axles.

I'll give it a try, but – do I need to buy new cuffs? Mine are still in great condition; I just need new straps.

Regards,
Stefan.

'Yes, mine look a bit suspicious; they've become quite brittle with age. I'll also check how much new ones cost first. I just thought that maybe they wouldn't come off in one piece.'