Golf subframe is clunking - which "fix" is the fix?

[b1jackson]

What I thought was sway bar links rattling/clunking turned out to be loose subframe bolts. They were tightened as a temporary fix (yes, I know they are stretch bolts!) but was wondering what people had the best luck with to fix this problem. Things I've heard or read about include:

(1) half ass attempts by dealers with an TSB (no thanks)

(2) complete bronze bushings and bolts for what looks like every bolt in the subframe (expensive and maybe overkill)

(3) Two bolts and a couple of spacers from ECS Tuning (under $30)

Is there something I am missing? Who else has experienced this dull thunking from minor bumps and performed a successful fix of this sub-frame loose bolt issue. How did you do it?

Car is stock height with no suspension mods. Don't want anything for performance or handling. Just want the clunks to stop.

Thanks!

 

[azthegame]

The tyrol sport collar kit is the most complete and highest quality way of eliminating all subframe worries. I agree that it seems rather expensive for what it is, but whether it's worth it or not is up to you.

The dealers I believe do something along the lines of using what ecs offers. So it's a matter of having them do it, or yourself.

 

[meerschm]

I put the ECS spacers and bolts in, and replaced the other subframe bolts and subframe bracket bolts with the original part numbers, then torqued to spec (70 NM plus 90 degrees if I recall correctly)

all added up I bet less than $50. depends on which dealer or vendor you use for the bolts. I found one local who gives a 50% off retail for the bolts, others were full price, or ten percent off.

you do not need a full subframe drop bolt kit, as they include mounting bolts for the sway bar and power steering to the subframe.

This seems to have done the trick for me. I figure I got over 100k on the original, so can probably get by with this solution.

if it does not say fixed, I will look at the $200 solution.

 

[scdevon]

They were tightened as a temporary fix (yes, I know they are stretch bolts!)

Just leave them alone "good and tight" if all seems well.

"One time use" bolts are one of the biggest scams ever pulled on the owners of vehicles by auto manufactures. It's important to replace cylinder head bolts, connecting rod bolts and bolts related to timing belt components and that's about it. For most every other bolt on the car, they can kiss my butt with their $10 a piece, single use bolts simply because you "dared" to re-torque them.

Yes, the subframe is potentially a "safety" related thing, but it's not as if all of the bolts are just going to fail at once and the subframe is going to fall out just because you tightened them a little.

 

[b1jackson]

Interesting. Thanks for the replies. Any idea the time it would take to install the Tyrol Sport kit? Would you need an alignment after any of this work?

 

[UberVW_TDI]

I'd try the ESCTuning Kit first

http://www.ecstuning.com/News/MKV_Subframe_Spacer/[/URL]

 

[meerschm]

If your subframe is clunking around, you will need an alignment anyway.

the Tyrol sport kit will make you move things around to center the bolts in holes, so will result in change to the way things are lined up.

One of the reasons I did not go with the Tyrol was that my car has the large bolt in the rear LCA bracket moved to one side of the hole, and centering would make my camber more out of spec than it is.

 

[b1jackson]

I may just try the ECS kit as it looks more DIY and shouldn't involve an alignment.

 

[b1jackson]

Christ sakes...$34 shipping for two bolts!

 

[b1jackson]

Well they've arrived. I assume a dollop of loc tite would be a good idea?

 

[elitegunslinger]

I had clunking but I was missing on of the big bolts closest to the wheel.

 

[meerschm]

I did not use any

I think the bolts just stretch, not unscrew.

 

[meerschm]

I had clunking but I was missing on of the big bolts closest to the wheel.

That is what I call really loose.

 

[b1jackson]

My second attempt at installing went better. I though I could do it just using ramps and lying underneath but I hate working on my back and leverage for the pry are was nill so over the pit and up on the ramps it went. Much easier!