CV Joint Or Strut Top Problem????

[illumin]

Hi guys,

Ive got a clicking noise when I turn right in my 91 M2 8v. I also get vibration from the driver's side wheel whilst driving, and a click when coming to a halt.

I have had the car checked by a couple of local "VW experts" and both have said that there is nothing wrong with the CV joint, but the second guy I saw said it was the strut top mount on the drivers side. He said that the bearings have collapsed which is the cause of all my car's current noises......I always thought that clicking noises were definitely the CV joint - what does everybody else think?

Just want to get the car sorted, but the first "expert" I visited cost me over £100 and nothing changed (apart from the noises seemed to get worse!). Won't be going back there again....................

Cheers

[Mr Blue]

Drive on full lock both ways. if it makes a click sound then then its deffo the CV.

I have the same problem and its one of my CV joints

[illumin]

Thanks for the response. Full lock right it clicks, but no noise at all when turning left............Strange car....

[Mart8V]

Give the right wheel a haul as if checking the bearings.  If you have a slight noise it could well be strut tops.  Had similar problem, and replaced both sides.  Fine now.

[Judderi]

Wouldent the strut top mounts only click when turning the wheel? If its a constant clicking then its more likely to be a CV joint.

[illumin]

Thanks for the responses........Well, the strut mount (and an engine mount which needed doing) were done today by the second "VW expert" I have encountered so far. Surprise,surprise the clicking is still there!

The old strut mount did look a bit knackered, but it was obviously not the cause of the clicking/knocking noise I get when turning. I am starting to think I'm gonna be stuck with the noise as the local "experts" don't seem to be able to fix it. Just to go over the noise again in case somebody on here has a concrete idea, when I turn right I get a clicking/knocking noise from the front of the car. I get the noise again when straightening up from a right turn but other than that there is no noise with a left turn.

I presume that the problem is with the right front wheel rather than the left as that is where the noise seems to be coming from. Having said that, sometimes it seems to come from both sides! I am at a complete loss as the two "experts" I have spoken to so far both said it's not the CV joint...........

By the way, I am in Northampton - does anybody on here know of a real expert here, or am I just stuck with garages that really don't have a clue?

[Judderi]

I would check the right CV joint. While your there check your driveshaft is secure. Mine was totaly loose at the gearbox end! 

[illumin]

Probably a dumb question but how do I check that the joint is ok? The gaiter is fine, no splits but how can I check the joint itself?

[Mr Blue]

I would check the right CV joint. While your there check your driveshaft is secure. Mine was totaly loose at the gearbox end! 

thats quite common on lowered mk2's btw.

to check the CV joint just listen out for 'click click click' on full lock. You also said you get vibration at high speds. This to me sounds like CV's.

also check your front break disks. if the pad retainer clips are missing then the pad rattles about but nothing to panik about.

[illumin]

Thanks Baby Blue - I am convinced it is one or both CV joints but the 2 supposed VW experts that have checked said they were fine, hence my total confusion! I just don't want to keep spending money on the wrong things - spent £200 so far and the clicking is still there!