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Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: myles841 on 18 June 2012, 13:04

Title: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: myles841 on 18 June 2012, 13:04
Hi guys,

I have a really strange knocking noise coming from what sounds to be the rear passenger side of the vehicle.

It started after I had the car on axle stands and has gradually gotten louder. It sounds like the rear shock but that seems to be fine, even tho the bump stop has totally come away, although when I bounce the back end I hear nothing.

The noise sort of sounds like its coming from the middle edge of the car and you can hear it from the front also, it sounds like a loose knocking bar but loud. It doesn't matter what speed your doing the slightest bump you can here a knock and also when turning right it sounds like the back wheel is loose!

I've had it up twice now and cant see anything apart from that rear bump stop but i dont think its that.

Any clues/ideas would be great.
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: Xtrhardcore on 18 June 2012, 13:08
Could be a shot rear wheel bearing?
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: myles841 on 18 June 2012, 13:47
Yeah when i went for MOT about 2 months ago he said it was on his way out. However when i jack the car up theres no play in the wheel. If it was bearing and making that noise would i be able to 'jiggle' the wheel or is that not always the case?

Cheers
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: AD1.8T on 18 June 2012, 13:56
Isyour car lowered if it is it will most likely be your exhaust hitting the axle you will not see this if you jack the car up on when all wheels are on the floor
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: myles841 on 18 June 2012, 14:08
Yeah its lowered but never did it before i had it on axle stands but its deffinately something i will check tonight mate cheers for that
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: Xtrhardcore on 18 June 2012, 14:34
Never had a rear wheel bearing go on me (*touchwood*) So not too sure on that behalf
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: AD1.8T on 18 June 2012, 15:00
If its a banging noise like someones hitting under the car with a hammer im 99% it will be that bud if you can get under the car without jacking it up at all you will see.
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: myles841 on 18 June 2012, 15:12
Will have a look tonight mate. The only other thing is is that when you turn right, you get like a rumbling from the back...could still possibly be exhaust? Its honestly bizzare and im hoping your right on the exhaust because its getting annoying lol!
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: Xtrhardcore on 18 June 2012, 15:34
Completely sounds like a wheel bearing now mate
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: myles841 on 18 June 2012, 16:20
Whats the best way to confirm it is that? Should i be able to jiggle the wheel?
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: Xtrhardcore on 18 June 2012, 16:29
i'm not too sure that you can, i know you can on the front but i think it may be different on the rear as there is a solid fixture, E.G no driveshaft assembly or anything.
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: DunnDeal12 on 18 June 2012, 16:31
jiggling the wheel doesn't always confirm bearing is fooked.
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: albertsponge on 18 June 2012, 16:32
sounds like wheel bearing just had mine done, :wink:
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: myles841 on 18 June 2012, 17:02
Ah ok. Has anyone ever done this without a bearing press on one of these? Failing that ill probs strip it and take the hub to the garage, should work out cheaper. Cheers
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: myles841 on 18 June 2012, 17:14
Just called auto factors and they want £45 for the bearing?? Does this sound right or is that hub and bearing?
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: Steve_PD on 18 June 2012, 18:03
Don't need a press to do the rear bearing. Pretty easy job takes an hour to do.

Best way to find out is do 50-60mph and take some covers if its louder when turning right its the left wheel or louder when turning left its the right wheel.
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: myles841 on 23 June 2012, 20:15
Just an update really guys, replaced the wheel bearing today which didnt solve the problem (even tho the old one was knackered).

I also removed the shock absorber and took it for drive and its slightly worse.

My only guess now is that its the bush on the rear beam? Would it just be the one bush either side of the car or are there more than 2 at the back end? Ill only be replacing the side where the noise is coming from till i save for some good ones!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: xxChrisxx on 24 June 2012, 01:57
Just an update really guys, replaced the wheel bearing today which didnt solve the problem (even tho the old one was knackered).

I also removed the shock absorber and took it for drive and its slightly worse.

My only guess now is that its the bush on the rear beam? Would it just be the one bush either side of the car or are there more than 2 at the back end? Ill only be replacing the side where the noise is coming from till i save for some good ones!  :laugh:

Sounds more like bushes to me, always do them in pairs as the other will be shot too. They are cheap for a pair anyway.

Also, just pay some other poor sod to do it. It's the only job that I'd never do again.
N/S bush came out in 15 minutes, and I wondered what all the fuss was about. Three hours later my hands were shredded and a mangled mess emerged from the O/S housing.
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: harlemex on 24 June 2012, 14:50
It doesnt sound anything like a wheel bearing whatsoever. No offence intended.
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: karls3abo on 24 June 2012, 23:07
maybe i can help.

not sure if it is but the sounds you describe sound like a top mount on the rear shock, you wont notice it under load (on the ground) just by looking or wobbling it but if you push down quickly on the rear bumper you might hear the noise when the wieght goes on and off of the shock.

where the top mount attaches down over the shock absorber there is a sunk nut and mine came loose. and even over the slightest bumps you can hear it, and just general driving, yet the nut only had a tiny amount of play in it. mine kind of sounded like the rear seat belt feeds were rattling, also when you jack it up you wont notice the noise as the wieght of the axel pulls down on the top mount.

dont know if this helps?

also would be good to replace the rear bushs just incase, as they are not overly expensive and at least you know they are done for a while.

karl
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: dan2252 on 25 June 2012, 00:20
axle bushes? a mate of mine put some biger wheels on his car. never told me then phoned me up saying ive got a right banging noise on my car worst when going round bends.. i said check for play and all the usual.. he found nothing and turned out the big wheels he had fitted were rubbing on the shocker so you have no issues like that do you?
Title: Re: Knocking noise #mystery
Post by: Xtrhardcore on 25 June 2012, 09:45
It doesnt sound anything like a wheel bearing whatsoever. No offence intended.

Certainly did at first