Noisy Suspension

[big mat]

Just bought a Mk3 GTi and noticed when going over potholes/or deep drain covers there is a loud "thunk" from the nearside rear wheel. The other three wheels are dead quiet. Pretty sure its not exhaust or loose spare wheel. Anyone any ideas? Cheers!

[boneybradley]

Sounds very like your rear axle bushes are fkd.......just had mine done for same reason......and they are a tw*t to do, unless you know a friendy mechanic as i did and even he said never again

[Len]

Get both sides done though!

Yes they are an absolute nightmare to get out! Need to heat or burn then out!
They go back in relatively easy though!

[boneybradley]

oh and the rear brake valve thing is right in the way on the left hand side one....

[big mat]

Thanks for pointers - sound like it could be that. Having a garage look at it on Monday. Looked up price of parts and GSF quote £15.60 - guess the bit that hurts is the labour!

[bustersballs]

i'd be checking you haven't got a really shot damper before condemning the bushes, had one gone on a car i fetched in the other week and it realy did give a savage thumping noise over anything bigger then a cats-eye! easier to change then axle bushes as well.

[AudiA8Quattro]

Check for fluid leakages around the rear shocks.
If they are ok then it will more than likely be the axle bushes, as known weak point on mk3's.

[big mat]

Garage reckoned it was shockers so had those done and guess what... it still thumped! So its going back for  bushes next, both sides and brake hoses at same time. Joy oh joy. Only had it a week!

[dovey]

Hi,

Could you let me know how long the garage took to do them please, as I have the same problem (also the rear near-side).

I'd just like to know how long it took them to do, so I can work out how much it's likely to cost.

Cheers

[GTI EDITION (aka LTD)]

It does sound like the axle bushes. ( I have done quite a few )
Just a couple of things to bear in mind :

1) The brake pressure regulator is retained by countersunk bolts which have Allen key heads( unlike the sensible fittings on a mk2 ), these tend over time to get seized in to the alloy housing of the regulator and can be a right barst to get out.  So be prepared that you may be needing a new regulator.
I have in the past managed to drill them out but you have to be extremely accurate so as not to bu99er up the regulator .

2) If you are considering doing it yourself, make sure the new bushes are lined up properly as if they are not they can touch the brackets that mount to the body. ( which will cause the same noise that your wanting to cure)