Author Topic: Clicking noise from front Left wheel - Arnold Clark say Gearbox!  (Read 8130 times)

Offline sajymundo

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So i have a 2009 MK6 GTI, done 98,000 miles and serviced by VW very 10k or less. Car has never missed a beat, i have been thorough when getting it serviced, DSG, Brakes etc, all done on time and on schedule. So in April i took it for its 100k service (yep even though car has just hit 98k, and also had brake fluid changed. No advisories, all good.

A week or so later as i hear a faint clicking like noise and really put my hearing skills to the tests and eventually narrow it down to the front left tire. i have a look around and not being an expert ensure everything is on tight. i continue to drive for teh next few weeks until this week hen i decide that i want to waste some money and get an expert opinion. During this time the noise is audible and driving, anywhere from 20mph upwards, I thought it could potentially be cv joints or axle but looking at videos online, the noise isn't loud enough for that and no harsh noises when full steering lock to the left or right. Performance is the same as always, handling is perfect so not sure but though i would get it confirmed.

Took it to my local VW garage (Arnold Clark) and agreed to give them £70 for a diagnostic. Even took the tech for a test drive to show what i was talking about (he didn't seem that clued up which was surprising) but he agreed it was front left tire region, possible wheel issue or tire possibly. so left the car and waited.....a few hours later the come back to me and say its a gearbox! Now i am no expert but this doesn't sound like a gearbox to me, gear changes in the DSG unit have been excellent as always, dsg oil was changed at 80k. so they give me some crap about how the units are bullet proof (obviously not) and that it cant be fixed so needs a new one at, £4k! i am at this point thinking this must be a joke but the guy seems serious, honestly does he expect me to belie this crap, that a simple we clicking noise that inst very audible is a goosed DSG gearbox? 

Anyways, reason for post is, does anyone have the faintest idea of what i should look for or what it could be? Does it seem like a gearbox if the gearbox is working fine, has anyone come across this sort of thing before? the best way i can describe the noise is clicking, or like a faint tractor type noise (crap analogy, sorry). I am getting the car back today and will swap the tires and check the brakes in the off chance, but any ideas i am open to. Thanks.
Mk6 GTI | DSG | Black | Leather | 17" Monzas | RNS510 + Dynaudio | Cruise | Bi-Xenon + Rear LED's | Luxury + Winter Packs | Bluetooth

Offline The ANT

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Wheel bearing? 
Suffering from a severe and unforgiving case of GTItis


Offline sajymundo

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Thanks amigo, will look into that when I get it back, much appreciated!
Mk6 GTI | DSG | Black | Leather | 17" Monzas | RNS510 + Dynaudio | Cruise | Bi-Xenon + Rear LED's | Luxury + Winter Packs | Bluetooth

Offline eug2huge

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You could try swapping the wheels over. Could be a balance weight has come of the wheel, tyre bulge from a pot hole..

I had a knocking that I couldn't figure out for ages at the back of my car. Checked back seats, spare wheel, anything that could have vibrated. Turned out to be the center section of the exhaust. It had been adjusted when I had a new downpipe fitted. Just needed twisting slightly!
« Last Edit: 15 June 2016, 11:16 by eug2huge »

Offline bgbazz

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This might sound really stupid, I had a similar situation recently...it was driving me crazy!

Turned out to be a small self tapping screw...it was embedded in the deep part of the tire tread (not long enough to puncture the tire, but it caused the clicking sound every time it contacted the tarmac.

Guess how dumb I felt!
Mk4 Golf TDI Estate 4Motion, remapped 1.9. Sweet runner = keeper. She is the 66th vehicle I've owned and hopefully, the last.

Offline sajymundo

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Thanks for the suggestions guys. The dealer said they have tried swapping the front wheels but at this stage i am not sure they have. will get the car back hopefully later today and try changing the wheels over, will also examine for anything that could be stuck in the tire, only recently replaced the front right as it had a screw in tire, its crazy.
Mk6 GTI | DSG | Black | Leather | 17" Monzas | RNS510 + Dynaudio | Cruise | Bi-Xenon + Rear LED's | Luxury + Winter Packs | Bluetooth

Offline bgbazz

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Hope it turns out to be a simple fix...4K to fix an annoying clicking sound seems to be a bit over the top!!
Mk4 Golf TDI Estate 4Motion, remapped 1.9. Sweet runner = keeper. She is the 66th vehicle I've owned and hopefully, the last.

Offline jv

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That is an utter joke from the dealer. What justification have they got? What did the £70, 5 mins with a  fault code reader tell them?
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Offline The ANT

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They've probably already got a box and trying to find an excuse to sell you it, giving you hassle/expense to save them it.
Suffering from a severe and unforgiving case of GTItis


Offline bgbazz

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How do they get away with charging 70 quid? Over here if they ask for more than a fiver...drive away.
Mk4 Golf TDI Estate 4Motion, remapped 1.9. Sweet runner = keeper. She is the 66th vehicle I've owned and hopefully, the last.