ASR cutting in, followed by a loud bang! Normal

[AdamD]

Fair - I meant traction control was potentially causing something to make a loud thump. Whether that is the axle tramp - maybe - but this is a new one to me. At least others have experienced it...

Traction control should not be causing axle tramp or other suspension-related thumps. It's going to retard the ignition, and/or apply the brakes, to reduce wheelspin, as Corey_R has pointed out. However, having said that, it's possible that the action of removing and then rapidly reapplying torque to the driven wheels (as would occur if you're hard on the power even while traction control is trying to keep things in check) is causing a lot of suspension movement/distortion, which in turn is giving an axle tramp-like effect.

AFAIK, real axle tramp (as applies to old-school leaf spring rear suspension) occurs when significant torque is applied to the driven wheels, causing the suspension to compress and distort, and as the suspension levels out it does so in a less smooth/linear manner than it would under no load, causing the excessive vertical movement (hopping) which in turn exacerbates wheelspin. The term is used to describe similar manifestations of the same problem (ie the wheel hopping under load), but the underlying cause of real axle tramp is suspension distortion under load. AFAIK.

[Ryan_R]

From the quick searching I did earlier - most complaints about this were either from older American cars, V8 Utes, and the Golfs. While the VW members said just back off the right pedal, the other forums had other recommendations regarding the suspension and bushes. Quite a bit of money can be spent in the area if it's a major problem, but someone said APR have a $100 insert which improves things, and one person just got the welder out and reckons he's fixed his problems.

If it's wet, I'll probably just take it easy until I get to 2nd gear, before requesting more torque.

[AdamD]

From the quick searching I did earlier - most complaints about this were either from older American cars, V8 Utes, and the Golfs.

I've had much worse apparent axle-tramp from my past three Hondas than I have from my Golf.

If it's wet, I'll probably just take it easy until I get to 2nd gear, before requesting more torque.

If you're in a GTI in the wet (especially a Pirelli or modified one), 2nd gear won't save you.

[Ryan_R]

Acceleration from standstill is sometimes less predictable in my car with APR and throttle adaption every ~60kms, so while full throttle in second gear might still cause the problem, it's easier to avoid (i.e. to pick the right amount of throttle) in my case.