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Loose subframe bolts

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  • Loose subframe bolts

    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...
    Polo GTI MY2008
    Build Thread
    136.09kW and 305.28Nm torques, Dynapack Hub Dyno

  • #2
    I'm thinking strut top bearings....
    "If can't get behind your troops, feel free to stand in front of them..."

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    • #3
      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.
      Polo GTI MY2008
      Build Thread
      136.09kW and 305.28Nm torques, Dynapack Hub Dyno

      Comment


      • #4
        Check the passanger side drive shaft nut too mate.

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        • #5
          Originally posted by VWindahouse View Post
          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 ).
          Resident grumpy old fart
          VW - Metallic Paint, Radial Tyres, Laminated Windscreen, Electric Windows, VW Alloy Wheels, Variable Geometry Exhaust Driven Supercharger, Direct Unit Fuel Injection, Adiabatic Ignition, MacPherson Struts front, Torsion Beam rear, Coil Springs, Hydraulic Dampers, Front Anti-Roll Bar, Disc Brakes, Bosch ECU, ABS

          Comment


          • #6
            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.
            Track Car: 06 Polo GTI Red Devil mkII
            Daily: 2010 VW Jetta Highline
            Gone but not forgotten: 08 Polo GTI
            ** All information I provide is probably incorrect until validated by someone else **

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            • #7
              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.
              Resident grumpy old fart
              VW - Metallic Paint, Radial Tyres, Laminated Windscreen, Electric Windows, VW Alloy Wheels, Variable Geometry Exhaust Driven Supercharger, Direct Unit Fuel Injection, Adiabatic Ignition, MacPherson Struts front, Torsion Beam rear, Coil Springs, Hydraulic Dampers, Front Anti-Roll Bar, Disc Brakes, Bosch ECU, ABS

              Comment


              • #8
                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.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by csimpson View Post
                  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?
                  Track Car: 06 Polo GTI Red Devil mkII
                  Daily: 2010 VW Jetta Highline
                  Gone but not forgotten: 08 Polo GTI
                  ** All information I provide is probably incorrect until validated by someone else **

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    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?
                    Last edited by s4mmie; 26-07-2012, 04:41 PM.
                    Polo GTI MY2008
                    Build Thread
                    136.09kW and 305.28Nm torques, Dynapack Hub Dyno

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      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).

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                      • #12
                        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...
                        Cheap, Fast, Reliable. Choose two.

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                        • #13
                          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.
                          Resident grumpy old fart
                          VW - Metallic Paint, Radial Tyres, Laminated Windscreen, Electric Windows, VW Alloy Wheels, Variable Geometry Exhaust Driven Supercharger, Direct Unit Fuel Injection, Adiabatic Ignition, MacPherson Struts front, Torsion Beam rear, Coil Springs, Hydraulic Dampers, Front Anti-Roll Bar, Disc Brakes, Bosch ECU, ABS

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            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.



                            No clunks though
                            Cheap, Fast, Reliable. Choose two.

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                            • #15
                              Originally posted by Stuwey View Post
                              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.



                              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...
                              Polo GTI MY2008
                              Build Thread
                              136.09kW and 305.28Nm torques, Dynapack Hub Dyno

                              Comment

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