Light Knocking noise

[neilw]

I've started noticing a light knocking/clunk noise. Initially on left and right slow tight turns, but now noticing it at light slow speed breaking. You can hear when mot moving and turning the wheels left and right. So It's not going to be CV joins.

Whats worth checking, Subframe, Control arm bushes, ARB Bushes, Engine mounts, Top Mounts?

[Rob1]

Hi Neil I have pretty much the same problem, mine feels like something is bent, I have taken to the garage but they could not find anything wrong but there definitely a problem. I initially felt the problem more noticeably in the area under the foot pedals which usually occurred whilst reversing.
I have hit a few pot holes over the last few months, so I'm gonna try a wheel alignment in the first instance to see if that make any difference, although I am not convinced it will.

[pudding]

Sounds like the infamous subframe movement to me.  I had exactly that on mine.  It used to clunk on the brakes turning into my road slowly every time, and also on slower movements with a lot of steering angle.

The fix? - TyrolSport deadset.  It's never done it since.  Another thing the subframe movement used to cause was inconsistent handling when driving fairly hard.

The deadset kit is quite expensive, but you will see why when you get it in your hands.  Fit and forget.  It's DIYable as well if you don't mind clambering around under the car.

[neilw]

Thanks guys.

I don't mind spending the money if it fixes the problem. I guess its hard to prove that that is the issue though.

I might try these first as a cheaper optionto see if it solves the issue https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/ecs-tuning/subframe-spacer-plates-kit-mk5-mk6-etc/

[azriz]

You could try taking it to garage that has shaker plates on their ramps, such as Kwik Fit. They then operate the shaker while they (and hopefully also you) can look to see what's going on under the car when it's being shaken.

[pudding]

If they are the bigger diameter Audi bolts, it might work.  A lot of people report the problem comes back with that setup.

You need to take the bolts out of the subframes to understand why this problem happens in the first place, and deadset inserts is the only permanent fix.

[neilw]

If they are the bigger diameter Audi bolts, it might work.  A lot of people report the problem comes back with that setup.

You need to take the bolts out of the subframes to understand why this problem happens in the first place, and deadset inserts is the only permanent fix.

Yeh, My thinking is, pay £16 and confirm if that's whats causing it, then buy deadset kit, if and when it comes back.

[TheBALDpuma]

After having read this thread I think I have the same issue...

A light knock on braking, just the one. I get another one sometimes when I pull away again...

Lowish to Low speed, high steering lock manoeuvres cause knocks too...

Sound right...?

It's been doing this a while and garages haven't found anything.  Having left this, is it likely to be causing further damage?

I see two tyrolsport kits... one is $90 and the other is the whole rigid kit at $285... I'm assuming it's the expensive one that is needed then?

[Shoduchi]

After having read this thread I think I have the same issue...

A light knock on braking, just the one. I get another one sometimes when I pull away again...

Lowish to Low speed, high steering lock manoeuvres cause knocks too...

Sound right...?

It's been doing this a while and garages haven't found anything.  Having left this, is it likely to be causing further damage?

I see two tyrolsport kits... one is $90 and the other is the whole rigid kit at $285... I'm assuming it's the expensive one that is needed then?

The cheaper is for the rear. You need more the front kit, which has more parts and it's more expensive.

[pudding]

If they are the bigger diameter Audi bolts, it might work.  A lot of people report the problem comes back with that setup.

You need to take the bolts out of the subframes to understand why this problem happens in the first place, and deadset inserts is the only permanent fix.

Yeh, My thinking is, pay £16 and confirm if that's whats causing it, then buy deadset kit, if and when it comes back.

Personally I would just stump up for the TyrolSport kit and and never have to touch it again.  I think there a couple of cheaper alternatives using the same method, but don't know how good/bad they are.  The TS kit 100% solves it.

[pudding]

After having read this thread I think I have the same issue...

A light knock on braking, just the one. I get another one sometimes when I pull away again...

Lowish to Low speed, high steering lock manoeuvres cause knocks too...

Sound right...?

It's been doing this a while and garages haven't found anything.  Having left this, is it likely to be causing further damage?

I see two tyrolsport kits... one is $90 and the other is the whole rigid kit at $285... I'm assuming it's the expensive one that is needed then?

That could just be pad knock?  Quite common on sliding caliper brakes.

[TheBALDpuma]

Pudding..Re: moving pads...the garage mentioned this but said brakes were fine... how do the knocks differ?

Found a UK site

Forgive my ignorance.... you have a front and rear subframe...?  So the first kit is the cheaper, rear, one - but both claim to fix the knocking/shuffling of the subframe.  The second, 2.5x price kit also claims to have performance benefits too.

How do you know which subframe is causing issues..?

What kind of cost would you be looking at for a garage to fit these kits?  Or just repalce with the larger audi bolts mentioned above?

https://www.akstuning.co.uk/tyrolsport/395-tyrolsport-deadset-rigid-subframe-collar-kit-for-all-mk56jetta-gli-and-mk2-audi-tt.html

https://www.akstuning.co.uk/tyrolsport/395-tyrolsport-deadset-rigid-subframe-collar-kit-for-all-mk56jetta-gli-and-mk2-audi-tt.html

[pudding]

Pad knock is more of a 'click' when touch the brakes gently.  Usually does it once in reverse, then once again when braking forwards and that tends to be it for the journey because the pads heat up and expand slightly.

The subframe knock is a deeper clunk from the bowels of the car and usually during heavy steering at slower speeds.

I only have the front TyrolSport kit on mine, the expensive one.  I can't say I've noticed any rear subframe movement, but I may fit the rear kit as a matter of course next time the rear end needs some work.

[TheBALDpuma]

It's definitely  more of a knock and it will do it over and over again, and I do get it with the heavy steering too. :(

[Ads22]

I also have similar with mine. A knock on full lock left and slight knocking noise when centering steering - coupled with occasional hard steering and sloppy handling. Wonder if this would be the culprit/fix