Clicking Noise? Car Problems & Solutions.

Volkswagen Golf III Variant AFN.

I've recently started hearing clicking noises from the front of the car, and I'm not sure what to do next.

I'll try to describe it:
Imagine the clicking sound as a steel ball hitting back and forth between two plates on a long, flexible rod. So, when you accelerate (even just a little; sometimes normal acceleration is enough), you hear a click (it's quite quiet), and it stays that way. It only clicks again when there's a counter-impulse (like braking or suddenly releasing the accelerator). If you brake again, you won't hear a click; it will only click again when you accelerate.

I tightened everything down below (engine mount and front crossmember) and replaced the front engine mount.

I'm now suspecting that the rear engine mounts are the problem.

Has anyone ever experienced faulty engine mounts and can confirm my suspicion? These engine mounts are quite expensive, and I've already replaced one for free.

Waiting for assistance.

Variants.

Hi, just check where the clicking sounds are coming from.

Put the car in gear and have someone else push it back and forth.
Check if the engine is loose, if any of the joints in the wheel suspension are worn out, etc.

Best regards, Rainer.

One thing that people often did with Trabants in situations like that was the following:

Shift into reverse (or first gear, alternating), fully engage the handbrake, and carefully approach the brake while someone watches from the front to see if and how the machine tips or makes any noises.

It might actually work in your case.

Best regards,

Jan.

@Jan:
I've already done that. Unfortunately, the diesel engine isn't the quietest. That's why I can't hear the noise when I listen at the front. And the handbrake also makes noises, because the AFN engine has quite a bit of power. }

@Rainer:
I checked all the suspension components, even to the point of bending a screwdriver. They should be okay and tight (and they should be at 120,000 km). But the tip about checking the first gear without starting the engine and moving the car back and forth is a good one. I hadn't thought of that. I'll try it. Since the engine is off, you should be able to hear something if there's a problem.

'How are the rear engine mounts constructed? I've looked at the front mount, but there's no way it could rattle because it's made entirely of solid rubber. I've heard that the rear mounts are filled with oil. Can anyone confirm this?'