Front End Suspension Issue

[mavs]

Gents,

Need some advice please. This is a little hard to explain really. Last couple of weeks I've noticed that when turning the steering wheel full lock, either going forwards or reversing, it feels as though the front wheels are 'slipping', or 'hopping' if you will. At first i though it was because i was turning on a twig or something in the works car park, but soon realised it was a regular occurrence. Im guessing its one of the many bushes, or possibly a ball joint worn? I have no idea, just wondering if anybody else has had a similar issue?

One other thing, a little of topic, I'm not sure if i have a faulty accelerator pedal, or maybe throttle body issue. I find it rather hard to keep revs steady at around 1000 - 1200rpm when creeping in slow traffic. It either drops right of with the slightest movement (almost stalling) or shoots right up near 2000rpm. Must say its beginning to annoy the hell out of me. Never had so many issues with a car 

Would appreciate any advice anybody can give. Cheers. Nathan

[golfhappy]

Does the throttle do that only under load? or if its idling at those revs. Should be able to check both flyby wire thingys at the pedal and throttle body with a meter.

[mavs]

Hi Alan. Yes, only under load does it struggle. Engine idles fine. Im wondering if the pedal has a dodgy position switch? How would you test the pedal with a meter? Sorry, I'm a mechanical design engineer, not electrical   

[golfhappy]

I'm taking the info from the Haynes manual. You should be able to connect with a scan tool and check to see if when the ignition is on, depressing the throttle pedal the TPS(throttle position switch) reading should be smooth. I've not looked but VCDS should be able to perform a test.

[mavs]

Well, ordered a new pedal to try at weekend. From a 2013 GTD, so we will see if the pedal is at fault. Apparently the accelerator pedal has been revised 4 times since 2009, and with mine being early 2009, should hopefully see / feel a difference.

Still no closer to solving my steering issue though. Might just book it in with a local garage, see if they can pinpoint the issue.

[mavs]

*Update* New pedal arrived today. Took only about 10 minutes to figure out how to remove the pedal. Been for a quick test drive and already can feel a massive difference. The dead zone is no more, pedal response seems much better. It actually responses to small inputs. Much happier now! Just need to sort this horrendous wheel / suspension issue now. Any body got any ideas where to start?

[Dipesh2031]

my gti on full lock makes 1 clunk sometimes, but thats it, dunno if its a subframe clunk or something...

[mavs]

*Update* Well its been a while since I've been on here. Been busy sorting the house out, and searching high and low over different forums trying to figure out the issues on my GTI. But, i can safely say i have finally got to the bottom of the issue. Turned out to be a mixture of two things:

1. Poorly installed (factory fitted) passenger side top mount
2. Subframe bolts loose

Ended up buying a set of uprated ECS Audi TT top mounts, complete with bearings, and also the ECS replacement subframe bolts & spacers.

The difference the top mounts have made in un-real. The steering feels much heavier, more planted on the road. Gone is the feeling that the strut is about to 'smash' through the dash board over every bump. Finally, the subframe bolt mod has solved the feeling that the wheel is slipping, and traction is much improved.

But yeah, if anybody is / or has experienced any of the issues i have mentioned above, i would start by checking your subframe bolts. All of mine where very loose, got a good 1/2 - 3/4 turn on each bolt!

I would also recommend going for the strut top mounts as a performance mod, car feels great through the twists now.

[Dipesh2031]

how would you say the uprated strut mounts have effected ride quality on very bad roads? i have the problem that my dash is going to fall out everytime I go over bumps

[mavs]

Massive difference mate. I know the majority of the roads in England are bad, but my local area is horrendous after all the recent rainfall and snow / frost. Driving back from the garage last night, I just couldn't believe how much difference they have made. My steering felt so light, and now its much heavier (which I love). Feels solid, and just glides right over the imperfections in the road without me feeling or the car sounding like its about to split in two. Links below for the bits I bought. For £130 on parts, well worth a go. After seeing how much of difference the top mounts have made, am tempted to buy these bottom control arms with the anti lift kit (http://www.awesomegti.com/car/vw/golfmk6/superpro-alloy-wishbone-kit-mqb-platforms) , can only imagine what it would be like after fitting them!   

http://www.awesomegti.com/car/vw/golfmk6/ecs-tuning-upgraded-front-strut-mount-kit
http://www.awesomegti.com/car/vw/golfmk6/ecs-subframe-spacer-plates-kit-mk5-mk6