Author Topic: Diagnosing rattles? Anyone clued up?  (Read 1508 times)

Offline Skred

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 43
  • I like lamp...
Diagnosing rattles? Anyone clued up?
« on: 30 December 2010, 00:29 »
There is a distinct metallic rattle or "dunt" coming from the front end of my car that I just can't seem to trace so I was wondering if anyone has any methods they have used? I have trawled the net for methods of diagnosing this but am no closer to getting there.

The noise is coming from the front end and is triggered by bumps.
With the car jacked up, neither wheel wobbles at all so the components seem fine. Wheel bearing seems fine as do roll bar, drop links, wishbones etc tested using a pry bar so do the cv joints, rubbers gaitors, drive shafts.

Basically, the car seems and looks solid underneath but clearly im missing the problem.

Has anyone had any similar evasive noises they have diagnosed and defeated??



If I'm against picketing, how do I show it?

Offline Skred

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 43
  • I like lamp...
Re: Diagnosing rattles? Anyone clued up?
« Reply #1 on: 30 December 2010, 00:33 »
Thought I would also point out that the springs aren't broken and the shockers are fine. Thanks!
If I'm against picketing, how do I show it?

Offline vdubnut

  • Here all the time
  • ****
  • Posts: 275
Re: Diagnosing rattles? Anyone clued up?
« Reply #2 on: 06 January 2011, 20:03 »
mine normally my top mounts? coilies kill them!

Offline Len

  • 10k hero
  • *
  • Posts: 16,298
  • Guardian of the Seas, Protector of Waves
Re: Diagnosing rattles? Anyone clued up?
« Reply #3 on: 07 January 2011, 08:49 »
Single noise or does it occur say a few times with the bounce of the car?
Mystic Blue Mk3 16v + Black Mk5 Gti 05 plate + Peugeot 405 Mi16

www.sas.org.uk
www.the-ace.org.uk

Offline Stirring Moose

  • Here all the time
  • ****
  • Posts: 333
Re: Diagnosing rattles? Anyone clued up?
« Reply #4 on: 07 January 2011, 19:41 »
Ooooh rattle hunting! Is there anything more fun?!  :angry: This noise of yours, is there a particular set of circumstances that sets it off? I had a thudding from the front suspension that would be set off by any kind of "washboard" type bumps in the road surface, especially if I also had some steering lock on at the time. Over single bumps it would often stay quiet but over a series of bumps it would somehow build up and start banging. This was eventually cured by a change of bottom arm bushes and ball joints. I know you say you've checked yours but I have to say the noise from mine predated them really feeling knackered when inspected.

Does temperature affect the situation at all, either outside or vehicle temp? I've not experienced anything so far with the Golf, but I hit a suspension problem on my Mini a year or so ago that only kicked in after a few miles of any trip. When the bushes were cold they were ok but as the suspension articulated, flexing and heating the bushes, they softened enough that a vibration would start. Again suspension rebushed, problem gone. Ok that was a vibration not a noise but it shows how it pays to be aware of the precise conditions under which a problem occurs.

In more general terms, first rule of rattle hunting is to remove anything and everything that isn't firmly nailed down. Then take the car out and see if you've still the noise (from what you're describing, I think you probably will have but best to start at the beginning). Also, if possible, get someone else to ride with you. From a different place in the car, the source of the noise can seem to be in a different place. Might be right, might be wrong but gives you somewhere else to check. Other than that, I can only really recommend persistence and luck!


S.M.

 
Love and hate, war and peace, joy and sadness... all just crap that happens between trackdays!

Offline Skred

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 43
  • I like lamp...
Re: Diagnosing rattles? Anyone clued up?
« Reply #5 on: 07 January 2011, 20:34 »
Appreciate the replies gents.

I've tried to be methodical in my approach, seeing how its triggered, looking for patterns like you say moose. Btw, when it is triggered its like 2 or 3 sporadic but close heavy dunts.

The closest I can get to triggering it on demand is by turning left on gravel below 5mph. I think this confirms my thought that its coming from the front offside.

Speed bumps, potholes, frosty or warmish weather doesn't guarantee the noise. That's what I think causes me the most frustration because it doesn;t seem consistent.

My suspicion is the f/o/s strut mount bearing but I haven't had one go before.

Failing that, I will start replacing minor suspension parts moving onto the more major ones.

I even conceded and had someone very able look over it but nothing!

 Appreciate it gents, its just annoying because I feel its almost removing the pleasure of driving the car.
If I'm against picketing, how do I show it?

Offline archie837

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,388
Re: Diagnosing rattles? Anyone clued up?
« Reply #6 on: 07 January 2011, 20:36 »
Have you checked your heat shield in the middle of the exhaust. Think it's the most common rattle on mk3's and as it sits underneath the seats, does sound quite far forward.
Project longterm Airbanger.
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=163335.0

PD150 Anni daily

Offline Skred

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 43
  • I like lamp...
Re: Diagnosing rattles? Anyone clued up?
« Reply #7 on: 07 January 2011, 20:45 »
Aye, had a look at it before and it seems fine on my car. I don't think it would account for the "heaviness" and inconsistency of the dunt
If I'm against picketing, how do I show it?