Front End Problem

[donweather]

Ok, I’ve noticed a problem with my front end over the last few days. Car seems to be very floatey/spongey on the front suspension. It kinda floats/rocks from side to side when any slight bump in the road sets it off. It’s also making a squeaking sound when going over speed bumps….sounds a bit like the suspension is letting air out as the shock absorber compresses?? Also seems to feel more of the road bumps from within the car through the steering wheel.

Car also seems to be axle tramping more (thought that was just cause the tyres are wearing down, but it appears not).

Any ideas on what may be the problem may be? Shocks gone? Engine mounts gone? Front sway bar gone? Other? Car’s only done 36,000k’s. Mk2 TSI Manual Wagon. Also have the Supaloy LCAs.

[NOO63N]

+1 interested. Same car but liftback, 45,000km. I seem to be imagining the same thing...

[donweather]

Whoah that's freaky!!! MY 2012 vRS. Are you also about to need new tyres?

[Martin]

You would have to check both the sway bar and the shocks

Try to bounce the front of the car down with your hands - do both sides
The body should go down and come back to the original position in one motion
If this action creates a waterbed effect then your shock is stuffed
Also do a visual inspection of the shocks looking for oil leaks

Then also check the sway bar is connected and has not snapped

[donweather]

Thanks Martin. Have already done the hands test on the shocks to try and repeat the noise heard when going over speed bumps but couldn't repeat it. Will look for oil leaks.

Where do I even start looking for the sway bar?

You mentioned a while ago that the stock bolts for the LCAs are of up to scratch. If one of these has failed would that cause he feelings I'm feeling with the front end. Car seems to want to wander a little bit more when on rutted roads also (ruts parallel to the direction of travel).

[Martin]

The hands test is to check the shocks are working - see if the car floats like a water bed

The squeak will just be a suspension bush - could be the sway bar

The rear sway bar is easy to see and check when under the car
You need to remove the front under tray to see the front sway bar
You'll need the car on axle stands or on a hoist

You would have much bigger/serious problems if suspension bolts/nuts had let go

[donweather]

I didn't notice any real waterbed effect when pushing down on the front of the car. But I'll give it another try.

Steering also seems way lighter with almost some slack for the first tiny bit of the turn. Like you can wiggle the steering wheel a bit from side to side and the car doesn't overly respond.

Also noticing more torque steer in WOT.

This is starting to **** me!!!

[brad]

The hand push test is a waste of time IMO as it only tests the low speed valving & the dampers have got to be really stuffed to float at that frequency.

Get a Pedders 48 point safety check with a run on their damper testing machine. It doesn't cost much ($48??).

Fulcrum in marooka are pretty good as well

[GTR27]

Fulcrum is very good, but exxy. Pedders, unless you know the person can be dogey as.... Quoting work that doesn't need doing etc. They are franchises, so some are good and honest, some are terrible. I'd go fulcrum personally. They cost a bit, but do top notch work.

[Martin]

Steering also seems way lighter with almost some slack for the first tiny bit of the turn. Like you can wiggle the steering wheel a bit from side to side and the car doesn't overly respond.

Also noticing more torque steer in WOT.

This is starting to **** me!!!

Yes mate, very concerning, sounds like it needs attention for sure!