2005 T5 front end noise CV joint maybe ?

[Sunny43.5]

Does anyone have an experience with CV joint noises / my T5 is making some very light sort of rumbling noises from DS feels like its from the front wheel area . Manual 2.0 petrol . Is there a way of testing with the van jacked up , and no the wheel is not loose I have checked .Thanks in advance for suggestions .

[Transporter]

Not really easy to test, other than listen for the characteristic CV joint clicking noise. Dismantling the CV join and the visual inspection is the way if you not sure. Check the wheel bearings for noise as well. I know that you have done over 200,000km on it, didn't you? So, both could be the suspect.

[Sunny43.5]

Thanks transporter I have someone having a gander at tomorrow I have not heard clicking like the old days when a Mini or Morris 1100 would go round a corner and all you hear is the click clack sound . Mine is a sort of rumble but the odd thing is it seems to come and go one day its quite pronounced and other days nothing at all a real strange one , will update over the weekend if Pete finds an answer .

[jamwin]

I just picked up a used Caravelle today (2010) and it has a horrible rubbing noise when steering at low speed (pulling away, parking) and when braking. Sounds like dragging rubber against rubber. Some other sites said it could be strut top bearings or upper ball joints (are they the same thing?), as they are not sealed in some models and the seals crack in others, then dirt gets in. Having VW look at it tomorrow.

[Umai Naa!!]

Pull the driveshaft out, and check for play in the CV. Hold the shaft, and try to turn the CV. If there's play in it, it'll be noisey out on the road. While you've got it out, pop the output flange out of the gearbox and inspect the splines.

With the strut top bearings, it'll usually only be noisey during low-speed turning, with brake pressure applied. The strut top bearings from the T5GP (T5.2, T5 Facelift, etc) are a known upgrade and cure.

[jamwin]

Thanks - sounds like it is strut top bearings. Is it dangerous to drive like that or is it just an annoying sound?

[Umai Naa!!]

It's just noisey.

[jamwin]

Took it to VW today and they said it was strut top mounts. The reckon it is a 700 dollar fix (Northshore VW). Is that way off the mark, because it sounds to me like 2 hours of labor and 30 bucks in parts. Anyone know an alternative honest VW mechanic in Sydney Lower north shore?

Also - taking it back to the dealer under statutory warranty. Should that have been fixed/should it be covered?

[Umai Naa!!]

It seems like a simple job, but it's a little time-consuming, as you've got to disassemble the struts to replace the bearings.

[jamwin]

They said that, but they also said it would take 1.5 to 2 hours. Is it 300 an hour for a mechanic? Or does it take 6 hours?

[Sunny43.5]

If they are any good to you I have two front struts out off our 2011 T5 they have only done 1500 kms as I replaced the whole set up with Coil overs You can have them for $300 for both plus freight , we bought the van new late last year as it was superceded stock that's why the low kays

[jamwin]

Thanks - will see what the dealer says tomorrow. I think it is just the top mounts that need re-doing. It should be covered under warranty...

What is the benefit of coil-overs? Not that I know what a coil-over is.

EDIT/UPDATE: The dealer fixed it, so all is well. Also found a mob in North Sydney that will service the Caravelle - quoted about a third of the price of Northshore VW for the struts.

[Sunny43.5]

We mainly fitted them to lower the van as we fit two wheelchairs into the back of ours and the lowering just makes it easier to get them up the ramp , plus there are the odd place that the height can be an issue so every few mls lower helps . You can read some info here http://www.carsdirect.com/aftermarke...ing-suspension

[Jmac]

Let me know if you still need help diagnosing the driveline come Sept, im back on the road then if it helps. Cheers
Jmac

[Sunny43.5]

Same as the other thread Jim give me a call or PM