torque arm insert

[Pesky jones]

Sometimes I think I can hear a quiet clunk when coming to a stop, or if It changes gear quickly. This doesnt happen all the time by all means, and I cant replicate it.

I think im being paranoid since I had the thermostat changed the other day, theres nothing that could have been done to cause this? The one thing that has changed for some reason is the dv is definitely a lot louder. No change in performance however, if anything it feels lile it pulls harder

[th3_f15t]

Being the winter, the metal of the car will contract slightly allowing for some additional movement that you wouldn't normally get. A clunk sound could be the issue with the stretch bolts of the subframe which is a cheap fix. Other than that, just have a good poke around the engine bay and see if anything does indeed feel loose.

[Pesky jones]

I actually ordered some subframe bolts yesterday

[th3_f15t]

The subframe will knock when accelerating or slowing rapidly, or cornering with some spirit. If it's bumping while driving in a constant line/speed over a rough road then perhaps examine your suspension to check the springs/top mounts aren't failing.

[Pesky jones]

thanks @th3_f15t  ,im going to replace the subframe bolts, then im thinking I might look into replacing mounts – can’t hurt right! Gearbox mount & engine mount? I’ve heard about dogbone mounts etc. do you know much about them?

[th3_f15t]

Engine (left) and transmission mount (right) aren't worth worrying about unless you're chasing the big numbers. The big one to focus on is the torque arm insert (a.k.a. the dogbone mount, a name carried over from the mk4 but is a bit incorrect with the mk5/6 design). One of these helps stiffen up the engine without causing too much noise/vibration in the cabin. They're a cheap and very effective way of helping improve the overall feel of the car at any level of tuning and a must if you're running a full turbo back exhaust.

There are loads of different ones on the market, I would personally opt for a SuperPro Fast Road one as I've run them on both my mk5 Golf GTI and my mk6 Golf R and they're more than worth the £30 they cost.

Another modification worth investing in is an anti-lift kit, these really help in a front wheel drive car and can improve handling quite a noticeable amount for such a small modification.

[Pesky jones]

Cheers! Just what I wanted to know. Will I be able to fit the SuperPro fast road dogbone mount and an anti lift kit myself with a couple of axle stands?  Recommend an anti lift kit?

Thanks

[th3_f15t]

You'll be well to invest in a breaker bar too, they make most jobs with suspension/brakes a lot easier. The torque inset is really simple to fit so yes, I've never fitted the anti lift kit myself but shouldn't be too difficult with a good set of axle stands.

I'd go for the SuperPro anti lift kit.

[AJP]

@th3_f15t

In regards to the dogbone/insert benefitting a setup with a turbo-back exhaust, why is that? Does it help with stress/flex at the downpipe?

And another question - getting alignment after fitting an anti lift kit - would you ask the operator to set up the geometry according to normal oem values, or would it be set to different values to a car without an anti-lift kit, to take into account the extra castor etc?

Apologies if silly questions, thanks in advance!

[th3_f15t]

Not a silly set of questions at all!

Yes, exactly the reason you mentioned. A stock exhaust has quite a large flexible section whereas a performance orientated exhaust does not. The stock one is deigned to compensate for excessive movement when running OE rubber engine mounts (due to cost). Using a torque insert helps keep the engine in place when torque is applied (hence the name). So by reducing the engine movement, you reduce the risk of damage to a performance exhaust.

With regards to alignment, it's a difficult one to answer as I'm not that clued up but as a rule of thumb I would only stray from OE spec if also running springs, dampers or coilovers. If you change the height of the car (thus the centre of gravity) you'll need to adjust the camber according to cope with the different physics of the car once a lower centre of gravity is set.

[AJP]

Not a silly set of questions at all!

Yes, exactly the reason you mentioned. A stock exhaust has quite a large flexible section whereas a performance orientated exhaust does not. The stock one is deigned to compensate for excessive movement when running OE rubber engine mounts (due to cost). Using a torque insert helps keep the engine in place when torque is applied (hence the name). So by reducing the engine movement, you reduce the risk of damage to a performance exhaust.

With regards to alignment, it's a difficult one to answer as I'm not that clued up but as a rule of thumb I would only stray from OE spec if also running springs, dampers or coilovers. If you change the height of the car (thus the centre of gravity) you'll need to adjust the camber according to cope with the different physics of the car once a lower centre of gravity is set.

Great info mate, cheers.

Regarding shocks and springs, it's on 30mm H&R springs and it's had full geo since they were fitted at a place with a proper Hunter machine. Think he did take into account the extra negative camber when he set it all up.

Drives superbly, so once the ALK is fitted I'll nip it back to make sure it's all within tolerance.

Need to get Christmas and all that out of the way first... then start working on my ever-increasing to-do list on the GTI in the new year!

Cheers again mate. Hope the R is running nicely.

[Pesky jones]

@th3_f15t

Could you point me in the right direction, cant seem to find that one anywhere.

Otherwise, i'll get this - it includes a new bolt and I assume REVO are reliable

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/engine-mounts/car/volkswagen/golf-mk5-gti/revo-technik-torque-mount-insert

[th3_f15t]

Revo are one of the top VAG tunres so you won't go wrong with them. Here's a link to a SuperPro insert:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-Mk5-6-04-08-Petrol-Lower-Torque-Mount-Dogbone-Bush-Insert-Kit-SuperPro-/251742459882?hash=item3a9d0517ea:g:JEwAAOSwstxVcVcR

Note on the page it does show you the two different types, as VW changed the shape of the insert of post 2008 cars, so just make sure that's the right one for your car (if it's between '04 and '57 plates you'll be fine with the one in the link).

[Pesky jones]

Do you think the fact it doesnt comr with a bolt matters

[wrlcs]

Hi, would it be correct to say that this would be easily reversible if needed. 
Thanks, brendan