Front End Noise and Subframe

I have a 2005 Jetta TDI. I have replaced the struts with Bilstien heavy duty strutsol arms with ECS arms and poly bushings, the sway bar end links, the strut bushings and bearings. When moving forward or back from a stop in either a strait line or turning to the left of the right, I hear a popping and snapping sound from the front of the car and from both sides. I have verified that the CV joints and all intact. The car has an Evolution aluminum skid plate installed. It is held in place at the back of the subframe with three bolts and rivet nuts. The from of the skid plate is mounted to the frame with more bolts, rivet nuts, and a mounting assembly. If the subframe bushings are worn, can the subframe move enough to cause twisting and movement of the aluminum skid plate which is the sources of the noise I am hearing?

The car holds the alignment. Local VW dealer says there is a bad bushing on the driver side LCA. I have had them installed less than 6 months and the bushing look fine to me. I am also hearing noise from both sides of the car.

Anyone have some subframe bushing experiences?

I am considering installing subframe bushings from Tyrolsport. http://www.tyrolsport.com/suspension/vw-mk4-solid-subframe-bushings/

Rich

Did you ever figure this out? Im having the same issue.

This is the expensive permanent fix.

http://www.tyrolsport.com/suspensio...-kit-for-all-mk5/6-jetta-gli-and-mk2-audi-tt/

This is the cheaper temporary fix.

https://www.ecstuning.com/News/MKV_Subframe_Spacer/ES2102460/


I had the same issue. I got the Tyrol kit and the subframe had been quiet for a year and a half.

gloaming said:

This is the expensive permanent fix.

http://www.tyrolsport.com/suspensio...-kit-for-all-mk5/6-jetta-gli-and-mk2-audi-tt/

This is the cheaper temporary fix.

https://www.ecstuning.com/News/MKV_Subframe_Spacer/ES2102460/


I had the same issue. I got the Tyrol kit and the subframe had been quiet for a year and a half.

Click to expand...

I assume he's talking about a mk4...those are for mk5's

Might want to check the tightness of the control arm bolts, especially the rear bolts for the hockey-puck looking bushing...

Matt-should those bolts have any ability to tighten further when checking them (I'm not sure of their torque values)? Or can I put a socket on them and assume if I move the bolts at all, that they were loose?

They need serious leverage to get torqued to the correct amount. A fairly long 1/2" drive ratchet is preferred.

The spec is 70 newton-meters (about 52 ft-lbs) plus 90 degrees when using new bolts. That's quite high...

I had the same issue, it lasted for a year. I finally just retorqued the subframe bolts and all is good.

The tyrolsport solution fixed for good in my case

I didnt notice this was a mk5 post when i replied. It was just a general search. All the bolts are torqued right. Will be checking the subframe bolts as I havent had those off. I got a acting up AC control valve now I gotta get to soon now.

I don't like poly bushings on a street car, they wear out prematurely and cause all kinds of noises.

Try removing the skidplate and then see if you can reproduce the noises. Some people have skidplates that flex and make lots of noise. Maybe that is the problem you are hearing.

Cheers,

PH

narongc73 said:

I had the same issue, it lasted for a year. I finally just retorqued the subframe bolts and all is good.

Click to expand...

This . I tightened mine too and they were loose

Dimitri16V said:

This . I tightened mine too and they were loose

Click to expand...

We did get around to doing this when we did the compressor the other day. Sadly they didn't have much give. Atleast it isn't as much noise since i got the new front strut setup.