Front Suspension Click?

[Conan]

My '03 Jetta has 140k miles on it, and has been making a loud metallic "clicking" sound (especially in hot weather) for the last few months. On braking to a stop, it sounds like something in the right front suspension is clicking as the front end dives. Same two or three clicks on acceleration-- it seems to be related to weight transfer and not axle or CV action, and seems to be confined to the right side. I can't make the noise by bouncing on the front at a stop, but it clicks like crazy in stop and go driving. I vaguely remember having TT front suspension bushings put in when I bought it, but no details. I have a Bentley book, but usually farm out suspension (lift) stuff-- what to check first?

Thanks,

Lee in Denver

 

[GolfofME]

The TT bushings have a larger diameter hole than stock. Maybe check the torque on the R rear LCA bushing, 52ftlbs + 1/4 turn and you'll want an offset 18mm wrench.
When I ordered bolts for the LCA bushings I was asked which I was using as there is a difference in bolts. I specified TT's but the bolts that showed up were the same diameter as stock bushing bolts. Seems like a lot of slop to me, some folks apparently put in 1/2" grade 8, which wouldn't fit through the control arm in my case but suited the TT bushing nicely. I used the stock bolts, just finished installing and 1 test drive, no clunks...yet??

 

[Tdijarhead]

If after checking the bushings you haven't found it check the tray that you front spring sets in, where the strut is. I had about 3" of my front spring break off and just lay in the tray making odd noises every now and then.

 

[Corsair]

And... if you run out of things to check, suspect the swaybar bushings. Over the years, I've seen various worn swaybar bushings make clicking noises. My (gone) 04 wagon had a similar problem, turned out to be swaybar wasn't tight enough. It was tight, but just a tiny hair loose, and it made noise until I tightened it. The swaybar is one of the few things you can loosen a bit and test drive the car- see if the noise changes, or if you get a new additional noise etc.

If it's any consolation, my 02 jetta has a loose metallic rattle that seems to be somewhere in the drivers side rear deck area- I've been chasing it for 3 years now.

 

[eyeguy]

Mine is doing same thing. Same side too. It started several thousand miles after essentially rebuilding the front suspension. I was really OCD with getting everything torqued just right, so I may be searching for a while. I'd be really happy to find out it's the sway bar needing a little tightening. I won't be happy to find out I have a broken Shine spring!