MK4 130 TDI rattle/clunk from front

[kamranj]

Hi Everyone

Been a member for some time but have not posted for a few years so i may be a bit rusty here!

I have a MK4 GT TDI 130 (2002 reg) that I have owned since new. Runs great, the same as it did the day I bought it! Recently it has started to make a clunk/rattle noise from the front end

I have taken it down to my local garage that I know and trust very well, the guys have had it on the ramp for almost two days and cannot find what is making the noise. All the bushers look fine and so do all the joints (so they tell me)

It doesnt happen over bumpy surfaces, and if i bounce the car by pushing down on it - no issues at all

The guys at the garage say maybe its the gearbox but they cant be sure and I think there clutching at straws now! It honestly drives with no issues, picks up like a train, gear changes are normal, doesnt stick or struggle to go into a gear at all

Just wondered if anyone had an ideas on what it could be? Or if anyone could recommend a garage down near High Wycombe where I could take it to get it checked out?

Appreciate any help on this

Cheers
Kam

[zollaf]

so when does it clunk from the front . you say its not doing it on a bumpy road, so knowing when it does it might help. maybe ??

[Grasmer]

Could be the bump stops in subframe or that connector between engine and frame that looks like a dog's bone are worn ?

[kamranj]

Hi Guys

Thanks for the replies. It seems to be random when it starts to happen. At slow speed or high speed - makes no difference. It doesnt matter what gear the car is in (even if it is in nuetural), or if its accelerating or slowing down

The guys have said they have checked the engine and gearbox mounting and they seem fine. If it helps, I think the noise is coming from underneath the dashboard?

[Grasmer]

Odd place for a rattle clunk imho.. spend 20 quid on a Haynes manual for her and see if you can get some of the centre console out easily and see if anything moves maybe? I've a mk4 myself that clunks despite being checked but tbh that's the least of my concerns with her.

[Tabs]

First place to check - front top mounts. They're renowned for going and causing all kinds of bumps and knocks.

Don't cost that much new and it's an easy'ish job to change them over.

Next on the list would be the wishbone bushes. Though if they've been checked with a pry bar then you could rule them out.

[kamranj]

Hi Tabs

Spot on!! Changed the top mounts and that has sorted me out 100%

Thanks for your help on this one - had a lot of people baffled!

Kamran