VW Bora: Engine Noise Front - Diagnosis & Repair

Hello forum users

I've been experiencing an unpleasant noise coming from the front of the car for some time now.

In practice, this happens when the car is stationary and I start moving with the wheels turned (e.g., when entering a driveway), or when I am already moving and then turn the steering wheel (e.g., when making a turn).
The sound is like a rumbling, as if something is rotating and rubbing against something else.
You can produce this noise, for example, by driving in a circle while idling with the steering wheel turned. It doesn't matter whether you turn right or left.
If you pull the handbrake while it's happening, the rumbling becomes more intense.

The following measures have already been implemented (unfortunately, without success):

- Replaced the V-ribbed belt.
- Front and rear brakes disassembled, cleaned, and sprayed with anti-squeak lubricant.
- Motor mounts loosened, engine 'shaken' by hand, and mounts re-tightened.

Is anyone familiar with this issue? Perhaps something similar?

The vehicle is a Bora, manufactured in 2002, with a TDI engine ('ASZ' model), and has a mileage of approximately 39,000 km.

I will let you know as soon as there is any news.

Best regards,
CC:

To me, it sounds like the joints of the drive shafts to the wheels. There are rubber boots on them that are supposed to keep the grease inside. If those boots leak, it will eventually lead to the noises you described.

Hello and thank you for your reply.

The CV joint boots have been visually inspected and found to be leak-free. I asked the mechanic if these noises were coming from the drive/half-shaft area, and he replied that 'if that were the case, you would also hear it during straight-line driving.' Based on the current situation, he believes it is the engine that is transmitting vibrations to the body. In practice, it would only be audible for a short time when starting and turning a corner, and then it would disappear. However, it might be necessary to replace the engine mounts at some point.

CC:

Could the noises possibly be coming from the differential?

It's possible, since the wheels travel different distances when turning. But how can you meaningfully check that, or get the mechanic to look there?

Theoretically, it could be anything that moves and is particularly stressed when the wheels are turned.

Best regards,
CC:

I'm not sure how to get the mechanic to do that. Do you still have a warranty? If so, they should replace the engine mounts. If the problem persists, you can bring it up to their attention.
In a differential, it's possible to create different wheel speeds even when the steering is straight. This happens when one wheel spins or loses traction (e.g., is lifted off the ground). The resulting load isn't particularly high, but it simulates a very large steering angle. Perhaps it would be enough to simply jack up one side of the car and rotate the free wheel.

I still have warranty until mid-October. I'll contact them first about the engine mounts. Then we'll see what happens.

Thank you very much! I'll let you know how things progress.

CC:

Hello again!

I've figured out that the noise disappears as soon as I press the clutch. When the clutch is engaged, the powertrain is unloaded, so it's likely that the problem originates from the transmission or driveshaft area.

CC: