knocking up front any help ?

[Golfwise]

Not enuf info could be a myriad of things.Get a mechanic to diagnose it.

[antinora]

can someone explain the problem around engine mounts whats that all about ?

[syncro]

Engine mounts sag, engine moves under acceleration and braking, exhaust hits on body.

[antinora]

big job to fix ..?? easy to get parts?

what about fixing the cv joints and ball joints.....? price ? avaliability of parts? thanks

[imported_brackie]

You obviously want to fix it yourself and it's good that you're asking our members for advice. Knocking can be difficult to diagnose as you can't be under the bonnet and driving at the same time. Getting it on a hoist would be useful as you can see so much more, but car ramps may help.

Things to look for:
* Check the exhaust brackets and hangers. See if they are damaged/loose/missing. The exhaust moves a lot during accelerating (especially if your engine mounts are cactus) and will foul the body producing a knocking noise.
* Damaged rubber bushings in suspension joints.
* Flogged out engine mounts. With the engine idling get a pry bar or a big screwdriver and put it between the metal parts of the mounts. Lever and see if there is excessive play or when leverage is applied the knocking can be heard.
* CV joints. Check the boots for splitting. You will see large amounts of grease on the suspension components and drive shaft if it's bad. Jack up the front wheels and check for play. Grab the drive shafts and check for play.

If none of these tests give you a result then do what Golfwise suggested and get professional advice. Most VW mechanics recognise an enthusiast and as long as you don't take up too much of their time will be happy to diagnose for you.

[Golf Loon]

Also lift the bonnet and then just move the car a little on and off the clutch. This will move the engine and let you see if there is too much free play. When the mounts are shot, you can see and hear it move an inch or so.

[antinora]

you guys will never believe it/..loose wheels nuts!.......cant hear the constant knocking..


but i can hear a single knock when slowing down and braking lightly

[mollins]

never... never.... NEVER trust the tyre place to do up the nuts properly. they are so crud sometimes...

[imported_brackie]

Good that you sorted it...And a cheap fix too! I agree with Mollins about tyre fitters. I always take my wheel brace out when they've put wheels back on the car to:
1. make sure they are done up tight enough
2. make sure the impact wrench setting wasn't too high and I can get them off again!

[gtimk5]

Aha! there you go!. I always nip up the bolts with a proper socket and wrengh on all cars so that 1 they aren't loose and 2, I dont want an irate customer ringing me at whatever hour asking me to come to where ever to loosen there over tight wheel nuts! Lose customers very quickly either way, loose or overtight. The symptoms that you initially described sounded like loose nuts, the Golfs anyway!