Cracking noise when pulling off

[AJB-09]

Had this for a little while now and I’m hoping someone could shed some light on this. 2007 Mk5 R32….when reversing then pulling off there is a ‘cracking’ or ‘snapping’ noise which seems to happen with the change of direction and weight. It has been known to do it if you break hard then pull away again…the shift of weight or direction but basically these are the only times you hear it. Just been MOT’d and nothing adverse found? It seems like it’s coming from the middle under the car…sometimes I think it might be the seat then not again 😂 Only does it the once until you repeat it again…I’ve no idea 🤷‍♂️ Any thoughts?

[terrier]

subframe movement?  Best find a local vag  specialist who could identify the problem quickly

[AJB-09]

That’s my next port of call, I just wondered if anyone had anything similar. When you say subframe movement would the new bolts and spacers sort this (if it was that)

[terrier]

If it is the subframe Tyrolsport  and 034motorsport amongst others do a bolt kit
 Ive had  the 034 kit fitted to my tdi for 3 years. It works if you follow the instructions
 Keep away from the 2 bolt and spacer fix 

[Sean_ED30]

My Mk5 does something similar , when setting off there is a judder/creak from what appears to be the top mount area but it’s hard to pin point exactly. Unfortunately for me the entire front suspension has been renewed and I’m not willing to start taking it apart just yet. I’m hoping it will develop so it’s easier to find.

In your case it could be a number of things. Top mounts , sub frame moving , control arm bushes , steering rack etc. If you think it’s coming from the middle of the car then check the exhaust mounts also.

[AJB-09]

It does seem to be coming from under the car in a central possibly slightly forward part of the car. If you are gentle you can get away with it not doing it…I’ve not long had new rear shocks and H&R springs fitted and and Mot. It’s just finding someone who knows there mk5’s really not just a generic garage

[Sean_ED30]

Same. If I pull away slowly it won’t creak. In my case it sounds like a rubber creak so I’m swaying toward top mounts, but on a ramp there is no movement in any of the components. Where are you based ?

[AJB-09]

Just between Derby and Nottingham

[Sean_ED30]

If there is nobody local then maybe make the journey to Midland VW.

[pudding]

That does sound like the classic subframe movement issue, especially if there is some steering lock at the same time.

I used to get that, once at the start of every journey but nothing in between except maybe after some hard cornering. 

It was indeed subframe movement and I opted to go with the TyrolSport deadset.  It's been silent ever since.

Another thing that can cause cracks/clunks when changing direction is brake pads shifting in the carriers.

[AJB-09]

That does sound like the classic subframe movement issue, especially if there is some steering lock at the same time.

I used to get that, once at the start of every journey but nothing in between except maybe after some hard cornering. 

It was indeed subframe movement and I opted to go with the TyrolSport deadset.  It's been silent ever since.

Another thing that can cause cracks/clunks when changing direction is brake pads shifting in the carriers.

I’m thinking the same, can a decent Indy replicate the movement…as in how can you tell it’s that when on the ramps. What sort of costs are involved with buying and fitting a decent kit like that? From what I can see on Regals website there seems to be 3 different although look similar kits, although 1 is a good £100 more and the other around £25. Does the subframe need to be dropped to fit the bolts?

Thanks

[Sean_ED30]

It will be very difficult to replicate subframe shift but in some cases there will be wear marks left behind from the two surfaces rubbing together. The tyrolsport deadset kit is ~ £250 and can be fitted with the subframe in place.

[AJB-09]

It will be very difficult to replicate subframe shift but in some cases there will be wear marks left behind from the two surfaces rubbing together. The tyrolsport deadset kit is ~ £250 and can be fitted with the subframe in place.

Thank you Sean, this car loves taking my money 😂

[Sean_ED30]

These old Golfs do 😂😂, get it to a specialist and see if there is anything obvious.

[pudding]

Yeah it's very hard to replicate as everyone's driving routines are different.  There is no 'play' to detect on the ramp by levering on things. 

The root cause is the bolt holes in the subframe being lot bigger than the bolt shank diameter, which is deliberate for ease of assembly at the factory. When you sling those big old 225 tyres onto full lock at parking speeds (especially with a 180Kg V6 pushing down on them), things are going to move!

Hard cornering can shuffle things around a bit as well.  I remember before the dead set, it was so bad, my steering wheel wouldn't quite go back to centre after a hard thrash!

If it's any consolation, some Hondas have exactly the same problem 

Anyway, you don't have to use the Tyrol Sport kit. There are plenty of copy kits out there.  The unique thing about the TS kit is they include uprated ARP bolts for the problem areas, which can be reused and are a much higher tensile strength than the oem bolts.

Having the subframe trued up and all slack removed from the bolt holes presents other problems in the future though, just to warn you!  Reassembly can be tricky if dropping the subframe again, but on the flip side, the alignment doesn't change