GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: tictap on 15 April 2017, 10:46

Title: Suspected dreaded rear shock absorber rattle
Post by: tictap on 15 April 2017, 10:46
Hi guys, I'm 16 months into my 2013 gti PP and have had a terrible rattle from the near side rear wheel arch for around four months now. I initially thought it was the toolkit kit but I've removed everything including the parcel shelf, boot floor, tool kit, sub and rear wheel but the rattle is still there. I suspect it may be the shock absorber but the rattle isn't there all the time which is the confusing part I thought if it was the shock absorber it would be a constant rattle? Anyone had a similar experience as I know if I book it in at the dealers as I have an extended warranty it won't do it and they'll just give it back.
Title: Re: Suspected dreaded rear shock absorber rattle
Post by: SRGTD on 15 April 2017, 11:14
It's worth checking the latch mechanism on the backrest of the rear where it latches to the bodywork.

I had a rattle from the rear nearside wheel arch area on my mk6 GTD, and wrapping some electrical insulating tape around the catch near the wheel arch that the backrest of the rear seat latches onto when in the upright position cured it. Used to be quite a common rattle on mk6's and I believe some mk7 owners have had it too. Worth trying before you consider new shock absorbers and it's a quick and simple fix.
Title: Re: Suspected dreaded rear shock absorber rattle
Post by: clubsport on 15 April 2017, 11:15
I had a rattle at the rear, cleared the back of the car out and had a passenger in the boot listen while I drove.

It was cured by adjusting the rear hatchback rubber bump stops.

Sometimes reading in the internet you can fear the worst and it can be something simple.

Worth crossing it off of your list of possible causes.
Title: Re: Suspected dreaded rear shock absorber rattle
Post by: tictap on 15 April 2017, 11:26
It's worth checking the latch mechanism on the backrest of the rear where it latches to the bodywork.

I had a rattle from the rear nearside wheel arch area on my mk6 GTD, and wrapping some electrical insulating tape around the catch near the wheel arch that the backrest of the rear seat latches onto when in the upright position cured it. Used to be quite a common rattle on mk6's and I believe some mk7 owners have had it too. Worth trying before you consider new shock absorbers and it's a quick and simple fix.

Thanks but already taped them up.
Title: Re: Suspected dreaded rear shock absorber rattle
Post by: tictap on 15 April 2017, 11:28
I had a rattle at the rear, cleared the back of the car out and had a passenger in the boot listen while I drove.

It was cured by adjusting the rear hatchback rubber bump stops.

Sometimes reading in the internet you can fear the worst and it can be something simple.

Worth crossing it off of your list of possible causes.

Hi, I've already adjusted the hatch stops and added extra felt pads where they meet the body.
Title: Re: Suspected dreaded rear shock absorber rattle
Post by: Sequence on 15 April 2017, 18:47
Most probably is the shocks they are so common unfortunately, mine has had 2 sets over its lifetime so far to solve the issue .
Title: Re: Suspected dreaded rear shock absorber rattle
Post by: tictap on 16 April 2017, 09:36
Most probably is the shocks they are so common unfortunately, mine has had 2 sets over its lifetime so far to solve the issue .

Did yours have a constant rattle or was it intermittent like mine?
Title: Re: Suspected dreaded rear shock absorber rattle
Post by: I wanted a GTi on 16 April 2017, 09:51
Most probably is the shocks they are so common unfortunately, mine has had 2 sets over its lifetime so far to solve the issue .

Did yours have a constant rattle or was it intermittent like mine?

Does it only rattle when it is dry by any chance?
Title: Re: Suspected dreaded rear shock absorber rattle
Post by: tictap on 16 April 2017, 10:00
Most probably is the shocks they are so common unfortunately, mine has had 2 sets over its lifetime so far to solve the issue .

Did yours have a constant rattle or was it intermittent like mine?

Does it only rattle when it is dry by any chance?

Not sure to be honest, sometimes it can go 3 to 4 days without rattling then just randomly start normally after driving on a bad bit of road,i'll have to check if it does it when raining.
Title: Re: Suspected dreaded rear shock absorber rattle
Post by: Sequence on 16 April 2017, 12:20
Most probably is the shocks they are so common unfortunately, mine has had 2 sets over its lifetime so far to solve the issue .

Did yours have a constant rattle or was it intermittent like mine?
It was intermittent yes only ever noticed it at slow speed as you would and most of the time was ok but it would happen without fail all the time when i came onto or off my driveway, would be worth finding somewhere with a bit of a incline and see if you can recreate the sound reliably.
Title: Re: Suspected dreaded rear shock absorber rattle
Post by: tictap on 16 April 2017, 15:36
Most probably is the shocks they are so common unfortunately, mine has had 2 sets over its lifetime so far to solve the issue .

Did yours have a constant rattle or was it intermittent like mine?
It was intermittent yes only ever noticed it at slow speed as you would and most of the time was ok but it would happen without fail all the time when i came onto or off my driveway, would be worth finding somewhere with a bit of a incline and see if you can recreate the sound reliably.

Mine gets worse with speed, the faster I go the louder it gets it sounds like a constant metal on metal rattle and is really loud inside the car?
Title: Re: Suspected dreaded rear shock absorber rattle
Post by: I wanted a GTi on 16 April 2017, 15:44
Most probably is the shocks they are so common unfortunately, mine has had 2 sets over its lifetime so far to solve the issue .

Did yours have a constant rattle or was it intermittent like mine?
It was intermittent yes only ever noticed it at slow speed as you would and most of the time was ok but it would happen without fail all the time when i came onto or off my driveway, would be worth finding somewhere with a bit of a incline and see if you can recreate the sound reliably.

Mine gets worse with speed, the faster I go the louder it gets it sounds like a constant metal on metal rattle and is really loud inside the car?

That sounds more like a suspension mount problem.
Title: Re: Suspected dreaded rear shock absorber rattle
Post by: tictap on 16 April 2017, 16:24
Most probably is the shocks they are so common unfortunately, mine has had 2 sets over its lifetime so far to solve the issue .

Did yours have a constant rattle or was it intermittent like mine?
It was intermittent yes only ever noticed it at slow speed as you would and most of the time was ok but it would happen without fail all the time when i came onto or off my driveway, would be worth finding somewhere with a bit of a incline and see if you can recreate the sound reliably.

Mine gets worse with speed, the faster I go the louder it gets it sounds like a constant metal on metal rattle and is really loud inside the car?

That sounds more like a suspension mount problem.

I did wonder after I read most people noticed it at low speed where mine is the opposite, once it starts it tends to last the remainder of the journey getting worse the faster I go  :sad:
Title: Re: Suspected dreaded rear shock absorber rattle
Post by: JoeGTI on 16 April 2017, 16:57
I've had front shock / suspension mount issues on both my old GTI and the R. Symptoms were only ever apparent at low speed though - parking / maneurveing in car parks etc. I had front left shock, mounts and wishbone bushings replaced in the R last week and now it's silent.
Title: Re: Suspected dreaded rear shock absorber rattle
Post by: Sequence on 16 April 2017, 17:53
Reality is your issue is suspension related either mounts or shocks its best to get it looked at either way depending on how in depth you want to go you could remove wheels and knock like this guy in this video does https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bvS3g2vXFI
Title: Re: Suspected dreaded rear shock absorber rattle
Post by: tictap on 16 April 2017, 20:10
Reality is your issue is suspension related either mounts or shocks its best to get it looked at either way depending on how in depth you want to go you could remove wheels and knock like this guy in this video does https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bvS3g2vXFI

Thanks, I've seen this before, I'll have to wait for a dry day and give it a try.