Rear knocking noise

[simond65]

Hi guys,

Long time lurker, learnt a *lot* from reading these forums but it's time for me to break cover and ask for a little help. Had my GTI for 2 and half years and I have a noise from the rear that seems to be getting worse or maybe it's just me noticing it 

Let me explain, it's most pronounced when going over speed humps or uneven road surfaces especially at speeds of up to 25mph. What I have found is that when I go over a say a speed bump, with the wheels not at the same time, i.e. at an angle it makes the noise whereas if it I don't it doesn't. The noise seems to be coming from the rear and quite possibly under the floor although it's always difficult to tell when you're driving. What I have worked out is that it isn't:

the rear parcel shelf

the spare wheel

rear seats

nothing loose in the boot


so it might be shocks, exhaust rattling, or something else, who knows? Anyone had something similar so I can get the dealer to look in the right place?

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks

Simon

[bacillus]

I would have a look at the anti-roll bar bushings for wear or damage.

[Hurdy]

I would have a look at the anti-roll bar bushings for wear or damage.

Just what I was thinking, or even check the ARB holding clamps haven't become loose.

[Wilko2008]

I had exactly this problem, going over speed humps at low speeds, when my car was only 3 or 4 months old. There were a couple of forum threads on it and a few people had the same problem. The concensus seemed to be the parcel shelf supports have balls on the end and they do knock around when the tailgate is shut.

I didn't think this was my problem though, it seemed different and part of the chassis. However, I am pleased to say that miraculously it stopped and has never returned. So I'm afraid I can't be too much help but thought I would share this with you anyway! Soz.

[flyingzard]

I had the same problem with a noise which i was convinced was coming from the rear - there is a thread in the forum.

I could hear it going over any bumps usually at slower speeds.

Turned out it was the exhaust which needed lowering ever so slightly as it was knocking aganst a bracket under the middle of the car.

Those parcel shelf balls are annoying as well - they can make a racket!

[simond65]

Thanks guys, your help is much appreciated.

Fingers crossed that it will go away but I'm going to stick it in with the stealer and see what they have to say. Must admit to be slightly reserved as I had them look at it last September when it wasn't as bad and got a lazy "couldn't hear it guv" response.

At the moment my money is on the exhaust.

Thanks again.

Simon

[flyingzard]

Easy way to prove it - sit in the car and get someone to rattle the tail pipes. You'll soon hear it in the car!

[simond65]

Finally the knocking has been sorted!!

Booked the car back in at the dealer as it seems to have got worse over the last few weeks. After they've had it for a couple of days they reckoned a new set of shocks, springs and bushes should cure it, and you know what? It has. Perfection is restored, no more sounding like there's a bag of rocks underneath the hatch. I have a smile from ear to ear.

Thanks to everyone for their help.

Simon