Strange noise on take-off - 9N3 Gti

**Loopa** · 03-12-2015, 03:11 PM

Hoping someone might be able to diagnose whats going on with my Gti, because I'm stuck!

I've got a strange creaking noise coming from the front left of the car when I take off in first gear - hard or soft take off makes no real difference. It sometimes also happens in second. It also "seems" to torque steer more than usual.

It doesn't sound like gearbox or clutch, or even mechanical.

I've had the front lower control arm rear bushes and dogbone done in August at Fulcrum (replaced with Superpro), and had timing belt and service done at German Autos 2 weeks ago. They checked the engine mounts and all seems ok, and I've inspected the replacement bushes and dogbone to make sure they aren't shredded - all ok.

Don't think it is shocks, or it would be a constant creak/sqeak.

Car has done 68k

Anyone come across this before?

**TDIfan** · 03-12-2015, 04:43 PM

Possibly the top mount bearings
Mine has been creaking for a while, just not too worry(have no time) to get it done

**seangti** · 04-12-2015, 09:40 AM

My first thought was strut top bearings too, though easier to validate would be sway bar links or the sway bar mounts. I'd take off the links, given em a wiggle on the ball joint as it could be sticky/dry. If the rubber cover is broken, add some grease to the joint and consider replacing the link. Also spray the sway bar mounts with some WD40 or similar.

I'd had a similar noise/situation you described, sounded metal to metal so changed the strut top bearings to no avail. Did the above and the noise has stopped, doh. I had also had the strut top bearings replaced under warranty at 20,000km, so they aren't infallible.

To check the strut top bearings, have the front of the car jacked up, both wheels off the ground (car on jack stands, not just jacks) and hold the wheels turning them from side to side to check for any creaking noises or grittiness in the motion. It should be smooth. While it's up, give the wheel a general shake to see if there are any other movements that shouldn't be there - lateral movements would suggest wear to wheel bearings for examples.

**h100vw** · 04-12-2015, 10:35 AM

I'll have a listen to it tomorrow if you want to have a ride up to the airport sometime after 930. PM for my number.

I have lots of broken polo experience

Gavin

**Loopa** · 04-12-2015, 03:07 PM

Thanks guys, I'll jack it up (again!) and take a look. Sent you a PM Gavin - you might be able to put it to rest quicker than I can!

**nightphotographer** · 04-12-2015, 04:40 PM

If you need strut top mount bearings - I have a genuine new set that I've never fitted that I'm trying to get rid of, will sell for half of whatever VGA sells them at.

**Loopa** · 04-12-2015, 04:54 PM

Cheers, might take you up on that - I've got it jacked up now so I'll try and figure it out, and let you know.

**sambb** · 04-12-2015, 06:48 PM

if it defo only happens on the left, swap the anti roll bar drop links from left to right and see if the sound carries.They are easy to get at. Just make sure the car is dead level when you disconnect them- they can be done with the car on the ground if its not too lowered. 16mm spanner and a star head. How low are your pads - the calipers can creak and carry on when the pads get very low.