shocking Mk 4 Golf

[filthy phil]

Hi there
Had a clunking from the front suspension of the Mk 4 Golf [150K kms] so replaced rubber bushings x 4, but clunks persist. Mechanic says the shocks are noisy - they work OK but I suppose they're not new....Any tips? Bushings I've missed? Preferred dampers to replace these ones?
Looking forward to all that wisdom....
Cheers
Phil

[Golf Loon]

Did you change the strut top mounts and bearings??

[sydVR6]

Clunks from the front suspension could be a few things.

Pedders will tell you for $28. They have a shock tester which can graph the actuation of your struts and pretty effectively shows you if they're shot.

If you don't want them to do the actual repairs you can take the car elsewhere.

Apart from the struts, if its knocking, there'll be movement somewhere. Check the lower arms and ball joints and as Loon said, get the strut tops looked at.

[No457 Snowy]

Phil, as Loon pointed out, the Strut top mounts+bearings would be the first thing to change, as they would be compressed and as hard as hell with that mileage. What 4 rubber bushings did they change?

The kit at the top of this list would be a good start: link

Don't know if you have much choice of mechanics in your location but try to avoid taking your car to your average Holden/Ford mechanic as they haven't got a clue about our VW's. Try to find a VW/Euro mechanic, it will be more cost effective in the long run.


Snowy.

[gtimk5]

I have replaced heaps of sway bar saddle bushes on Mk4s that have had knocking noises in the front end. I have inly ever fitted genuine bushes...
Andrew

[Manaz]

ECS have a series of kits that totally refresh all the bushings/connections in the front suspension. I got the stage 2 kit, and it made a huge difference to my car.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-...uspension/OEM/ - the first three items on that page are the refresh kits.

[gavs]

I had to replace all bushings and strut mounts to be rid of my knocking. I would also agree that your struts would most likely be worn also, mine still feel fine but I know mine are worn after replacing the springs and the struts compressed by themselves...