Passat Engine Noise: Causes & Solutions

Hello!
Maybe someone has an idea.
My Passat (1998 AFN model) is now making a significant rumbling noise when turning left.
Average performance when driving straight, and almost no performance when turning right.
The rumbling noise disappears when the clutch is disengaged.
Furthermore, the rumbling noise is clearly noticeable when turning, as well as when driving straight.

I've also searched the forum, but I haven't found an answer regarding changes in direction.

Greetings.
Michael.

Hi there.

Is the 98 AFN a 3B engine? Does it have a longitudinal engine layout?

For transversely mounted engines (e.g., the AFN in the 3A), I would strongly suspect the flexible pipe - which is also easy to check:

Start the engine and, by hand, feel the pipe to see if any noises change.

I don't know to what extent the bellows of the linear motors are also susceptible to this issue, but the test is the same and is definitely worth doing.

m;

Defective engine mounts, either one or more, could also be the cause.

There have been some problem descriptions related to that already.

Here's an example: https://community.dieselschrauber.org/en/viewtopic.php?t=6483&highlight=motorlager

Start the engine, with someone at the controls keeping the clutch engaged in a higher gear under load. At the same time, an assistant applies force to the engine, tilting it in the same direction as the reaction torque of the engine under load. If the engine mounts are already worn or defective, this will reveal the knocking noises.

Best regards, Georg.

First of all, thank you for your reply.
Unfortunately, clutch slippage is no longer an option, as I almost have to fully release the pedal to engage the clutch.

The error description from 'Dieselpaul' is exactly the same as the one I'm getting on my Passat.

When I turn off the engine, the whole car shakes.
The exhaust system might also be under stress, as the rumbling noise became more pronounced after tightening the front axle support, which had simply come loose during driving.

P.S. Mileage approximately 230,000 km.