JordanLee
Well-known member
So I've been chasing this distinct thunk noise (sounds dampened and not metal on metal) from what appears to be the front right upper area of the chassis. It only happens during a sudden drop or sudden bump in the road. A slow drive over a speedbump will not trigger it but a quick isolated drive over the same bump will clearly make the noise. After a bunch of digging on here and other forums, I narrowed it down to endlinks, subframe bolts, upper strut mount. It doesnt sound like subframe bolt shift as it doesnt happen when its at low speed turning so I kinda put that on the backburner.
It is worth to note that I bought the vehicle with a minor front end accident on the same corner to which to which the CV, entire lower control arm assembly, strut assembly were all replaced with used parts from a wrecker. After a week of driving the vehicle I noticed the sound and began trying to diagnose the noise.
I started with the upper strut mount and replaced it and a new bearing with a Lemforder replacement. *I did not take note of the orientation of the arrows and tab* The noise was the same I then replaced the right endlink and entire lower control arm assembly with a new balljoint and bushings. While I was in there I also did the subframe bolts with the Passat bolts and shims.
None of this fixed the issue. I went for a drive with a friend and ran over speedbumps specifically on the right side and he was quick to note it sounded like it was on the upper strut area. I came to the conclusion that the first time I did the strut mount (only having the car a week in) I might not have noted the orientation of the arrows and tab and could this maybe cause the topmount to bind or not allow flex in that specific geometric stress application? I mean if the previous bodyshop who did the repairs also did mistake, and I made it was as well this semi reduces my likelihood that this is the culprit but I mean he had a 1/3 chance and I had a 1/3 chance as well.
I could not find any definitive answer on what happens if you install the strut tophat in the wrong direction, I understand this is a pivotal suspension component for camber and I assume the tophat is slightly on an angle in a certain plain to give the correct geometry, could this be the cause of the clunk/thunk? I read online that its meant to flex in a certain angle only and having it in the wrong direction can cause the geometry to bind and clunk?
I just wanted to see if anyone has any other feedback or things to look for as it appears I've replaced all of the trouble MK5/MK6 chassis parts that cause these front end noises and its driving me crazy.
Thanks!
It is worth to note that I bought the vehicle with a minor front end accident on the same corner to which to which the CV, entire lower control arm assembly, strut assembly were all replaced with used parts from a wrecker. After a week of driving the vehicle I noticed the sound and began trying to diagnose the noise.
I started with the upper strut mount and replaced it and a new bearing with a Lemforder replacement. *I did not take note of the orientation of the arrows and tab* The noise was the same I then replaced the right endlink and entire lower control arm assembly with a new balljoint and bushings. While I was in there I also did the subframe bolts with the Passat bolts and shims.
None of this fixed the issue. I went for a drive with a friend and ran over speedbumps specifically on the right side and he was quick to note it sounded like it was on the upper strut area. I came to the conclusion that the first time I did the strut mount (only having the car a week in) I might not have noted the orientation of the arrows and tab and could this maybe cause the topmount to bind or not allow flex in that specific geometric stress application? I mean if the previous bodyshop who did the repairs also did mistake, and I made it was as well this semi reduces my likelihood that this is the culprit but I mean he had a 1/3 chance and I had a 1/3 chance as well.
I could not find any definitive answer on what happens if you install the strut tophat in the wrong direction, I understand this is a pivotal suspension component for camber and I assume the tophat is slightly on an angle in a certain plain to give the correct geometry, could this be the cause of the clunk/thunk? I read online that its meant to flex in a certain angle only and having it in the wrong direction can cause the geometry to bind and clunk?
I just wanted to see if anyone has any other feedback or things to look for as it appears I've replaced all of the trouble MK5/MK6 chassis parts that cause these front end noises and its driving me crazy.
Thanks!