Got a strange noise coming from under the car

[mowlamb]

Right, I'm rubbish at explain things like this so I will do my very best. Firstly I have a 130 TDI, not sure if it will make much difference to the diagnosis but you never know.

Over the last few days I have noticed a knocking/juddering noise. It sound like it is coming from under the handbrake/gearstick. It doesn't seem to happen when braking or accelerating but when I coast (i.e. feet off all the pedals) it will happen. It seems to be getting a bit louder so I'm gunna have a look the next chance I get.

What I want to know is where I should look and what I should be looking forward? Hopefully someone has a better idea of what it could be as I have no idea what it should look like under there so something could be wrong and I probably wouldn't know.

[the_stink]

when i had my mkiv i noticed that there was a similar thing but more of a squeaking noise, but turned out it was the exhaust one of the factory welds had come away and it was loose

not sure if thats of anyhelp or similar 

[Rhyso]

I had the same as Stink; I thought it was the gearbox at one point 

I went a little OTT and replaced the system 

[mowlamb]

Gearbox is my fear 

Another possible cause I've was told by Adam is the cat heat shield? I'm hoping it is that or a part of the exhaust knocking. But if it was the heat shield then surely that would knock most of the time and if it was the exhaust that would be when accelerating.

[Rhyso]

It won't be the gearbox

9/10 its the middle exhaust weld; get it up on some ramps and watch that thing rattle!!

[mowlamb]

I've got some axle stands but not had time to get it up in the air yet. I can get hold of some ramps if that would be easier.

[the_stink]

as rhyso said have a look, mine wasnt at any specific time ie when acclerating but my lord it was doign my head in!! but my mate had a look sorted out and it never annoyed me again but the soudn was coming as you mention right under the handbrake sort of area

[CraigDavieBeattie]

mowlamb i had this noise then my passenger side driveshaft/joint went about half day later. May not be the same as ur having but might be worth having a look and seeing how ur cv joint is holding up. wouldnt hurt to have a lookie. also check ur ball joints, ive realised one of mines needed changed and i did have a slight knock noise from that too. Just ideas mate

[mowlamb]

Well while I'm under i was planning on having a good look around and taking a few pics as I wouldn't have a clue if something was wrong or not LOL!!

[CraigDavieBeattie]

Well checking the inner cv joint its easy enough to see underneath the car so look for tears, cv grease comming from it etc. The cv just is the black rubber boot (looks like a black michelin man) looking thing that joints 1 side of ur driveshaft to the gearbox part of the engine. Have a wee look and see if u see wot i mean.

This is wot its like on mines anyway.