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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: big mat on 11 August 2006, 20:02

Title: Noisy Suspension
Post by: big mat on 11 August 2006, 20:02
Just bought a Mk3 GTi and noticed when going over potholes/or deep drain covers there is a loud "thunk" from the nearside rear wheel. The other three wheels are dead quiet. Pretty sure its not exhaust or loose spare wheel. Anyone any ideas? Cheers!
Title: Re: Noisy Suspension
Post by: boneybradley on 11 August 2006, 20:50
Sounds very like your rear axle bushes are fkd.......just had mine done for same reason......and they are a tw*t to do, unless you know a friendy mechanic as i did and even he said never again :smiley:
Title: Re: Noisy Suspension
Post by: Len on 11 August 2006, 21:23
Get both sides done though! :rolleyes:

Yes they are an absolute nightmare to get out! Need to heat or burn then out!
They go back in relatively easy though! :grin:
Title: Re: Noisy Suspension
Post by: boneybradley on 11 August 2006, 22:37
oh and the rear brake valve thing is right in the way on the left hand side one.... :sad:
Title: Re: Noisy Suspension
Post by: big mat on 12 August 2006, 09:40
Thanks for pointers - sound like it could be that. Having a garage look at it on Monday. Looked up price of parts and GSF quote £15.60 - guess the bit that hurts is the labour!
Title: Re: Noisy Suspension
Post by: bustersballs on 12 August 2006, 16:10
i'd be checking you haven't got a really shot damper before condemning the bushes, had one gone on a car i fetched in the other week and it realy did give a savage thumping noise over anything bigger then a cats-eye! easier to change then axle bushes as well.
Title: Re: Noisy Suspension
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 12 August 2006, 23:59
Check for fluid leakages around the rear shocks.
If they are ok then it will more than likely be the axle bushes, as known weak point on mk3's.
Title: Re: Noisy Suspension
Post by: big mat on 16 August 2006, 18:53
Garage reckoned it was shockers so had those done and guess what... it still thumped! So its going back for  bushes next, both sides and brake hoses at same time. Joy oh joy. Only had it a week!
Title: Re: Noisy Suspension
Post by: dovey on 21 August 2006, 17:00
Hi,

Could you let me know how long the garage took to do them please, as I have the same problem (also the rear near-side).

I'd just like to know how long it took them to do, so I can work out how much it's likely to cost.

Cheers
Title: Re: Noisy Suspension
Post by: GTI EDITION (aka LTD) on 21 August 2006, 17:37
It does sound like the axle bushes. ( I have done quite a few )
Just a couple of things to bear in mind :

1) The brake pressure regulator is retained by countersunk bolts which have Allen key heads( unlike the sensible fittings on a mk2 ), these tend over time to get seized in to the alloy housing of the regulator and can be a right barst to get out.  :sad: So be prepared that you may be needing a new regulator.
I have in the past managed to drill them out but you have to be extremely accurate so as not to bu99er up the regulator .

2) If you are considering doing it yourself, make sure the new bushes are lined up properly as if they are not they can touch the brackets that mount to the body. ( which will cause the same noise that your wanting to cure)  :nerd:
Title: Re: Noisy Suspension
Post by: JWS Mk3 on 28 August 2006, 19:48
I just attempted to do mine last week. They were absoultally f****d and the drivers side was easy to do as the old bush was so nakered that it more or less fell out, although i fitted powerflex bush coz they are easier to fit (dont need to be pressed in, push in by hand).

The passanger side is a different matter though! As mentioned above the brake load sensor valve was in the way and the bolts were siezed! :cry: I didnt try to drill them out as i need the car so at the moment im still driving with one nakered bush. I'm thinking instead of drilling out the bolts in going to sut the bracket holding on the load sensor valve, then weld it back together once i've changed the bush.

Its going to be a pretty rough repair, but easier than drilling out bolts and cheaper than a new load sensor.