Front suspension creak over speed humps

[cktsi]

Thought i would dredge up this old thread as i have something to report.

I have had this suspension creak for 2 years in my car and each time the VW sevice centre would just tighten the bolts that hold the suspension to the car's floor pan. They have dome that twice and the problem keeps recurring after a few months.

My car still has the issue... Even worse now.... So today when my car did its 60,000 km service i took it up with them again. Whilst it is out of warranty i pointed out the fact that they failed to fix during warranty.

Interesting diagnosis this time... They will replace the sway bar and rubbers. Thats what the report said.

Hopefully this time it will fix the problem completely. Will update this thread after the fix then 2 months after the fix to let others know what has happened.

Cant believe i remembered this thread after so long as well :-p

[vwsp]

So ... For two years since my last post (the lube lasted for about 5 min), my car's front suspension noise got worse and worse. Finally took the car to a different dealer and was able to demonstrate the noise loud and clear to them. It's all to do with the control arms and bushes. Visit 1 they tried a 'new' kind of lube but didn't work. Visit 2 they replaced the lower control arm BUSHES but didn't work. Visit 3 they fitted new lower control ARMS ASA. A month later my front suspension is still completely SQUEAK FREE!

My gut feeling from the dealer indicated this is a common problem but they don't admit the fact and readily replace as its a quite a big job.

Perhaps thats why, with millions of Mark VIs on the road around the world, it took me about 6 dealer visits (in total) over nearly 3 years to get to the bottom of this.

Now that my lease is nearly up the only benefit of my persistence to have an enjoyable Golf will be to the new owner, who will a squeak, squeal, creak, rattle and groan-FREE Golf. Now that's a great car!

CKTSI, I hope this helps you in case the sway bars and rubbers fix doesn't.

[cktsi]

Just dropped off my car and sitting in the vw service lounge. The description was interesting. It is in for sway bar AND control... Probably meaning control arm.

The other description was 100% goodwill because i am out of warranty. It isnt really goodwill as i mentioned it several times before warranty. As long as they will fix at their cost i am happy

[cktsi]

Good news! Problem seems to be solved. Of course this is celebrating a little prematurely, but given that the fix has been the same for others in this thread I am confident this will be a lasting solution.

So the report said control arm AND stabilisers were replaced. The odd thing is that not only is the constant rattling and creaking gone, but I swear that the control of the front is different. In fact it reminds me of how my Mark 5 comfortline was throughout the whole ownership period of 2.5 years.

The front suspension feels more controlled over the same patchy surfaces. The rebound is now muted in vertical attenuation, yet softer somehow.

I felt like I have rediscovered that same amazing feeling when I first drove my Mark 5 comfy line at how controlled & disciplined VW's suspension is. I didn't realise that my Mark 6 was faulty all along!

Pity that I'm only going to be enjoying this for the next 3 months :'( Geez the next owner better appreciate what a wonderful car they are getting!

I enjoyed the silence so much that I really enjoyed listening to my supercharger whine as I threaded the gaps in the afternoon traffic. I swear the original 2009 twinchargers have a more pronounced supercharger whine than the later models that I've driven as loaners.

[jlgumby]

My MkV GTI sounded like a rear coil snapped whenever it was cold and nearing the top of a hill. It was horrendous. Went to the shop 4 times and nothing could be found. Yet it kept doing it, once a day only. Sounded as if a shot was just fired into the side of the car. Ahhh yes, gotta love these VWs. Fantastic car still mind you.

Don't have it any more but do miss it on occassions. Especially for these strange little noises she made.

[cktsi]

Oh man!! Sad news. Creak is still there

The constant rattling or "chatter" on uneven surfaces is gone. However the creak on the rebound after negotiating a speed hump is still there. It sounds like one of those springs they use on wooden fences to keep the gate shut.

Disappointing but I am so fed up and doubt that VW will do anything more that I am waving the white flag on this one.

This creak sounds as though it comes from the top of the strut.

[Tobes_WIR35]

Mine does this too. It's worse in cold weather. I had VW check it at my service this week but they couldn't replicate the problem. Not surprising as it was about 35 degrees. Anyway, they checked the suspension and said it's integrity is good.

I'm thinking about getting one of those steering and suspension checks done at a place like Pedders. They're only like $20. It would serve as a second opinion for me, and if they do find a problem, I can take their report in to VW so they have something more to work with, other than just my word.

[cktsi]

Mine does this too. It's worse in cold weather. I had VW check it at my service this week but they couldn't replicate the problem. Not surprising as it was about 35 degrees. Anyway, they checked the suspension and said it's integrity is good.

I'm thinking about getting one of those steering and suspension checks done at a place like Pedders. They're only like $20. It would serve as a second opinion for me, and if they do find a problem, I can take their report in to VW so they have something more to work with, other than just my word.

Yes, it is more prevalent in colder weather than warm. And yes... A complete bitch to replicate in summer

Hmm interesting approach you have there. Best $20 you could spend. Let us know how you go

[Tobes_WIR35]

I had the front wheels off today to clean the wheels, pulled apart the brake calipers and cleaned them, and de-glazed the rotors, and noticed that the upper rubber boot of the front drivers side shock absorber had dislodged from the top of the shock, leaving the shock piston open to the elements. I have no idea how long this has been the case for, but this could have something to do with my creaking noise. Especially if dust and moisture gets into it, which of course it would. I also took a close look at the rubber bushes of the lower control arms where they mount to the chassis and they appeared to me to be a bit perished (see photos below).

Appreciate comments from people who are in the know about these matters (I am far from a suspension expert).

On a side note, I gave myself a scare when I went to start the car after I'd finished and couldn't unlatch the steering lock. Thought I had done some damage to it. Turned out I was trying to start it with the keys to the Up! instead... Lol.

[Tobes_WIR35]

Had the Pedders 28 point steering and suspension check today for a second opinion. Told them about the suspension creak. No issues found on the whole car. Maybe the bushes just need some lube or something.

I guess it's reassuring to know that they confirmed what VW have said in that they couldn't find a problem. I was a bit suspicious that they didn't have a very good look.