Loose subframe bolts

[s4mmie]

It's been bugging me for a while now but every time I drive out of the driveway there's a knocking noise coming from the front right wheel well. At first I thought it was something loose suspension-wise, but I looked through the service history and there's a listing for the problem I'm describing:
"Clicking noise when turning, found frame bolts slightly loose, retension all bolts."

Good place to start right?
I'm going to poke my head under this weekend and see if they're loose. Can someone advise where all the bolts are and what torque they should be tightened to?
Also, any other ideas? Just in case it's not the frame bolts...

[Blitzen]

I'm thinking strut top bearings....

[s4mmie]

Yeah that's the only other thing I could find.
I forgot to add that I also feel a clunk when I accelerate, subtle but I can feel it through the accelerator pedal.

[VWindahouse]

Check the passanger side drive shaft nut too mate.

[kaanage]

Check the passanger side drive shaft nut too mate.

Any idea of the torque spec for this? I've been told the hub nuts are single use (stretch ).

[seangti]

I get a similar knock as you've described. It occurs when going slow and some slight lock on the stirring, so rolling around second gear corners with bumps I get a knocking feel through the steering. It may happen more when turning left, but couldn't be certain. I have assumed this is rack rattle as changing suspension (by Jmac - so have all the confidence it was done correctly), strut top bearings were changed under warranty and rear lower control arm bushes are new too.

It's happened since lowering the car (initially with springs only) and since had the above work done and still there, so gathered it's to do with geometry changes.

May be similar... May be different. Might have a poke around under it as other provide input to your situation.

[kaanage]

Sounds suspiciously like my accelerator transition 'clunk' so I'm watching this thread with interest. Hopefully, mine will be resolved very shortly so I can add to what needs checking.

[csimpson]

I have this same issue. My car is booked in to Camden GTI tomorrow, and one of the tasks is to replace the front strut top bearings, so I'll ask them to check all the subframe bolts as well and see if that resolves the issue. Will let you know as soon as I have the car back.

[seangti]

I have this same issue. My car is booked in to Camden GTI tomorrow, and one of the tasks is to replace the front strut top bearings, so I'll ask them to check all the subframe bolts as well and see if that resolves the issue. Will let you know as soon as I have the car back.

If it's subframe bolts that loosen, wouldn't that mean the front end would be flopping around as that has (to my understanding) direct impact on your toe and camber settings?

[s4mmie]

Found a figure of 81 ft lb and a 1/4 turn more for the subframe bolts, I'll give it a try this afternoon when the missus gets back from work.
Loose subframe bolts seem to be a common problem. One of the fixes seems to be lock tabs and replacements subframe bolts from a Passat/Audi.
If it's not the subframe bolts I'll replace the strut top bearings with the new suspension. OEM or aftermarket bearings?

[Bflat]

Let us know how you go with the bolts, I've got nearly identical symptoms as stated by you in the first problem (clunk when back out of the driveway first thing in the morning, sounds like it's on the left).

[Stuwey]

Mine made those kinda sounds when the lower control arm bushes were shagged. Now that my poly ones are 18 months old, they're doing the same, but I can't understand why or how. Not like there's any room to move...

[kaanage]

If they are the rear bushes for he LCAs, then the twisting movement may have opened up some clearance. That is why most people don't see polyureathane being ideal for this nor for the rear axle beam.

[Stuwey]

When my subframe had creeped it didn't make any noises - it just drove terribly. Tramlining, ridiculous torque steer etc. It was a total pig of a thing.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f127/tramlining-excessive-torque-steer-32346-2.html

No clunks though

[s4mmie]

When my subframe had creeped it didn't make any noises - it just drove terribly. Tramlining, ridiculous torque steer etc. It was a total pig of a thing.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f127/tramlining-excessive-torque-steer-32346-2.html

No clunks though

Ill keep everyone posted.
I know, or have a very good hunch my LCA bushes are stuffed so it could be that as well. I might have to hit the lot if it's not the bolts. Cars only got 40000ks on it...