MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => How to Guides / Troubleshooting => Topic started by: Trekmeister on August 31, 2013, 09:51:59 am

Title: Knocking front end
Post by: Trekmeister on August 31, 2013, 09:51:59 am
Noticed a knock when putting moderate lock going forward. Knocks maybe one or twice, not constant.  If I sit and move the steering an inch or two wheel left and right quickly I can hear the knock each time. It seems to come from front passenger side. Any ideas before it goes to garage in near future.
Title: Re: Knocking front end
Post by: Tortaruga on August 31, 2013, 10:01:18 am
Could be a few things...I'd check the CV joint. Worn strut mounts maybe. Also subframe knock can be an issue - there are spacer bolts available as a fix for this.

Title: Re: Knocking front end
Post by: RobboGTI on August 31, 2013, 10:48:25 am
My car is going in to have the front suspension top mounts and bearings changed in Monday 
I've had this issue for ages and its just got worse so hoping this will sort out the issue
Title: Re: Knocking front end
Post by: jedi-knight83 on August 31, 2013, 11:22:01 am
mine has exactly the same thing..

had it all checked and cant see anything or identify where its coming from although we didnt check top mounts and i suspect it might be those now?

Either that or something in the steering column?

mine you only really notice when your at standstill or parking or coming out of a junction.. never on the move.
Title: Re: Knocking front end
Post by: Conrad on August 31, 2013, 12:11:43 pm
I had a knock and I've just had the Subframe bolts and Spacers changed for different ones at aks and done a lot of driving yesterday and seems to have cured it's and it's a cheap fix. But mine was doing it when on the move it it would do it at different speeds.

Title: Re: Knocking front end
Post by: jedi-knight83 on August 31, 2013, 01:15:03 pm
ive already had the subframe bolts done but i guess i could check they are still tight?
Title: Re: Re: Re: Knocking front end
Post by: Trekmeister on August 31, 2013, 01:30:54 pm
I had a knock and I've just had the Subframe bolts and Spacers changed for different ones at aks and done a lot of driving yesterday and seems to have cured it's and it's a cheap fix. But mine was doing it when on the move it it would do it at different speeds.


Any ideas where the best place is to buy the spacers
Title: Re: Knocking front end
Post by: Conrad on August 31, 2013, 01:42:07 pm
Yeah awesome sell them I'm sure other places probably do to but aks supplied and fitted mine.

http://www.awesomegti.com/ecs-subframe-spacer-plates-kit-mk5-mk6
Title: Re: Knocking front end
Post by: biglad65 on August 31, 2013, 05:17:31 pm
does it do this when you press the brake when moving
Title: Re: Knocking front end
Post by: biglad65 on August 31, 2013, 05:43:31 pm
hi scottymon is it like a clicking more than a knocking noise cheers
Title: Re: Knocking front end
Post by: Scottymon on August 31, 2013, 05:43:37 pm
Could be a few things...I'd check the CV joint. Worn strut mounts maybe. Also subframe knock can be an issue - there are spacer bolts available as a fix for this.



^ Pretty much nails it there.

If it is the CV you'll no doubt have a split boot which you can see by grease all over the the cv boot/arch liner, easier to check by removing wheel, but if dirt has ingressed to the point of making a noise, then the joint is knackered. 
After replacing the offside CV, I now make a point of inspecting the wheel arches prior to washing for any grease then you can make a mini repair before changing the boot out (bike innner tube and cable ties doubled will keep out the dirt, but don't leave it long). 

I've got subframe knock atm, and have some of the upgraded bolts to go in, most noticeable with a heavy brake then heavy acceleration.
Title: Re: Knocking front end
Post by: Scottymon on August 31, 2013, 05:45:06 pm
hi scottymon is it like a clicking more than a knocking noise cheers

Yes it is mate, I shouldn't really say knocking, it's like a metal clicking, where its shifting - I don't think you can tighten them either due to being stretch bolts, so the upgraded bolts (from a passat iirc) are the ones to go for... I'll let you know in a couple of days if it makes it any better. :happy2:
Title: Re: Knocking front end
Post by: biglad65 on August 31, 2013, 05:51:32 pm
yes thats what mine is like metal tin but it only does it when i touch the brake buts does not have to be heavy and does not do it all the time cheers
Title: Re: Knocking front end
Post by: Scottymon on August 31, 2013, 06:49:12 pm
Might not be the same thing then, mine only does it when being "enthusiastic" other wise it's fine.  Have you taken off the calipers and inspected the pads/discs etc?
Title: Re: Knocking front end
Post by: biglad65 on August 31, 2013, 06:58:21 pm
yea they only done 2000 mile every thing seems ok got it booked in on tuesday for a good look over