Suspension Knock / Rattle Turning at low speed

[flat6]

Hi all

This issue has been screwing with my head for weeks now, when ever turning at low speed or hitting certain bumps whilst turning there's a loud knock / rattle from the drivers side wheel, It almost feels like strut tops but they are tight!

Came across this thread that may have nailed the issue
The Volkswagen Club of South Africa - View topic - 9N3 POLO Front Suspension Rattle sorted!

It could be the brake caliper rattling and hitting the lower ear of the hub!

Will pop the wheel off on the weekend and check it out, anyone else notice this after about 40,000k?

[Polo GTEye N9]

Hi all

This issue has been screwing with my head for weeks now, when ever turning at low speed or hitting certain bumps whilst turning there's a loud knock / rattle from the drivers side wheel, It almost feels like strut tops but they are tight!

Came across this thread that may have nailed the issue
The Volkswagen Club of South Africa - View topic - 9N3 POLO Front Suspension Rattle sorted!

It could be the brake caliper rattling and hitting the lower ear of the hub!

Will pop the wheel off on the weekend and check it out, anyone else notice this after about 40,000k?

Hi Flat 6
I have been getting exactly the same rattle when turning at low speed, pariculary noticed it recently on a downhill sharp left turn. My wife said 'what was that?' . Any answers from the wise ones to this one? Cheers Al
PS My Polo has standard suspension apart from Ultra Strut Brace and Rear Sway Bar. Standard brakes apart from rotors.

[philthy]

Take it you guys have both checked control arm bushes? Apologies if so.

[kaanage]

I've had that noise on certain corners/bumps for a while too (usually turning left in suburban side streets) - probably started around 20,000 km and still around 20,000km later.

It has persisted despite

• changes in rear control arm bushes (SEAT),
• strut tops (Ground Control camber plates),
• shimming of the engine subframe (designed/supplied by Eddy),
• front antiroll bar bushes (Whiteline along with the antiroll bar),
• pad changes (QFM)
• rotor changes (DBA)
• and 3 wheel/tyre combinations

And it still comes and goes when I switch out the dogbone mount from rubber to polyureathane and back.

Track days have not affected it either way.

I live with it.

[GTI_PAPA]

I have had the very same problem since new. VW technicians could never find the problem, and I've never found anything on the underside loose etc. It only ever happens when turning left and on the drivers side, worse in the wet, speed not an issue. On one occasion when I had parked on my driveway (compound curve-ish) on full lock to the left, I noticed that the the roll bar link on the right was a bees **** away from touching one of the suspension components (can't remember, long time ago. Maybe driveshaft or lower wishbone???) and thought it wouldn't take much of an imperfection in the road for them to touch and cause that noise. Maybe the boys who have changed to shorter droplinks can chime in and mention if they have had a similar noise that has been sorted due to the change.

[blackbetty]

in my gti its the control arm bushes that make these noises with almost exactly the same symptoms. Ive yet to change them on account of sever slackness.
im sure someone once posted a msg about door hinges which can make similar noises, generally on the front left door? i will search and see if i can find it.

[seangti]

Same experience and similar attemps to Kaanage. Has been doing it for years, hasn't gotten any worse over time. To me it seems to came back through the steering wheel so have wonder if it's the steering rack rattling. Happens mostly on left handers, and occassionally on rough right handers.

It still did it after changing strut tops and lower control arm bushes, have got whiteline adjustable sway bar links, still does it. Good to know the dog bone mount hasn't stopped it as that was of consideration in an attempt to stop that knock and also the other benefits.

Is everyones car lowered? Anyone get it with standard height suspension?

[Bflat]

I must be the exception to the rule.
AP coilovers, fuggin low most of the time for a polo.

No noises matching the above description.
My strut top mounts will creak when backing out of the driveway upon each drive but that's it.
Haven't had to bother with shortened drop links either.

[s4mmie]

I'll jump in and say I've had exactly the same as kaanage and seangti, left handers mostly, back through the steering column... nfi what it is, tried everything, started threads on it, no luck, if anyone finds it I'll be a happy boy!

[flat6]

Must be a design flaw in the 9n3 series

I've had the issue for ages however I started noticing it more after getting the poly bushes / wheel alignment, have checked all sub frame bolts and they are still tight. Could be the added vibration through the control arms contributes to something loosening up behind the braking system.

It does happen more frequently when going down hill whilst turning (every morning going down underground car park)

Running stock suspension and shocks, Its more annoying if anything, but I want to get to the bottom of it

Also noticed the gf's polo gti does it as well, hers is completely stock running different control arms

Has anyone actually checked out the brakes as the actual cause?

[rgvlee]

After my car has sat for a few hours, within the first 100-200m of driving I get a knock from the front left corner.

When the brakes are applied (rolling down a hill and applying brakes) the knock is much stronger. Can feel the knock through the floor and the brake pedal.

I haven't looked but to me it seems like it's brake related, sticky caliper piston or something like that and when the pad moves it causes the noise. Happens once and I don't hear it again until the car sits for another few hours.

[kaanage]

Has anyone actually checked out the brakes as the actual cause?

The Polos in the thread that you linked had the 256mm front rotors like mine. Yours are completely different (until I get around to upgrading mine) so I doubt that this is the cause.

I'm suspecting the steering rack now, given the other comments, as I can also feel a shudder through the wheel when the knock/rattle occurs.

[Polo GTEye N9]

The Polos in the thread that you linked had the 256mm front rotors like mine. Yours are completely different (until I get around to upgrading mine) so I doubt that this is the cause.

I'm suspecting the steering rack now, given the other comments, as I can also feel a shudder through the wheel when the knock/rattle occurs.

Hi Kaanage, I will try to induce this and see if 'Rack Rattle' is the culprite.. cheers Al

[noone]

Suspension Knock / Rattle Turning at low speed

I had issues with some TT callipers, no issues since replaced. Never noticed and rattles with the original brakes.

Always one or 2 noises in the Polo, since playing with the suspension.

Next on my list is a new suspension noise when going over uneven surfaces and rear hub / bearing.

If the Polo was quiet it would be an experience I have not had for years.

[VWindahouse]

Guys found my culprit today

1.

2.

3.


Only ever heard it hitting bad at near on and full lock each side.