Clunking on accelerate & decelerate...

[neelpeel]

This has been happening intermittently for the last three months (one day ok, next day clunking).

Basically, at the moment that I accelerate or take my foot off the accelerator there is a mechanical clunk. It sounds like something is moving slightly then coming against a hard stop.
It sounds expensive!!

My first thought is ball joint. Anyone had anything similar??

 

[neelpeel]

Oops, forgot to mention... its an Ibiza 1.9 TDi SE, 3 door, 03 plate, no mods.
Cheers!
NP

 

[DPJ]

I'd be looking at engine mounts first.......

 

[Chri5B]

Suspension bushes in the front wishbones for my money.

Where in the country are you? JBS would be able to have a look and sort you out.

 

[Small]

Try checking your wheel bolts as they could be a bit loose. I've had this issue and it makes a clunking noise when accelerating or decelerating as you described.

 

[neelpeel]

I've checked the wheel bolts and they seem ok.

Also, the problem only happens on accelerating and taking the foot off. If I take my foot off slowly it doesn't happen and then it doesn't happen when I brake. So I don't think it's engine mounts. Think that makes sense.

 

[Mr_Magistus]

My mate had the same problem almost on a clio. Clunking on accelerating and taking his foot off, also when he was changing gear.

Turned out to be the drive shaft.

 

[muddyboots]

My money is on it being the engine mounts or the lower suspension arm bushes, both are common problems....

 

[acidstrato]

mine does exactly the same, as soon as i back off the throttle it makes a clunking sound, but only happens when moving slowly (or just could be i cant hear it over road noise)

 

[muddyboots]

I've checked the wheel bolts and they seem ok.

Also, the problem only happens on accelerating and taking the foot off. If I take my foot off slowly it doesn't happen and then it doesn't happen when I brake. So I don't think it's engine mounts. Think that makes sense.

I don't think it rules out a duff engine mount at all, quite the opposite in fact.

If it was suspension arm bushes, you might well notice the car steering slightly one way or the other when you go from accelerating to braking - as the arm(s) would move forwards/backwards as the loading changed, which will have the effect of steering one (or both) of the wheels slightly.

If the car is driving perfectly straight and doesn't feel odd under braking/accelerating then I reckon engine mount...

 

[EdButler]

mine does exactly the same, as soon as i back off the throttle it makes a clunking sound, but only happens when moving slowly (or just could be i cant hear it over road noise)

Mine did this badly... Now it doesnt (although there is some very very light knocking still there). Never thought much else of it - My 1.2 did it, this car does it and i know 1/2 peoples 05 plate FR's do it.

It was the Front Wishbone, Rear bushes.

T. Spark broke an Engine mount once and that sounded horrific iirc - you really should know if its that as the sheer engine movement should make it 'bang' all the time.

 

[sion fr]

mine fr does this and ive only done 900 miles init and as sum1 else said it only does it at low speeds. thought it ws cz the engine ws new etc but obv not?? should i take it 2 the dealers??

 

[rashcupra]

when taking up drive mine does it. but can only really hear it if window is down! take my viper induction pipe off then i cant hear it

 

[neelpeel]

Thanks again for the help peeps.
Turns out that it is the front wishbone bush.
Been quoted £90 to replace (at Seat dealer). That seem reasonable?

 

[Neo_VR]

Hmmmm

I have this problem too - doubt its my wishbone bushes as theyre cupra/powerflex items...

mine also does it when taking up drive, eg changing gear and using the clutch

 

[rashcupra]

the problems it could be causing a 'clunk' noise on take up of drive are.

loose wheel nut/bolts,
driveshaft problems,
lowerarm bushes,
transmition problems.

 

[Neo_VR]

How can a driveshaft be a problem... tis just a bar of metal??

 

[Nath.]

a drive shaft has 2 joints in it that allow it to drive the wheels when they are on full lock and allow for suspension travel

a bit like a flexable knuckle joint on a socket set

if they get worn they make a knocking sound because of the play in the joint

have a look on how stuff works .com

 

[Neo_VR]

a drive shaft has 2 joints in it that allow it to drive the wheels when they are on full lock and allow for suspension travel

a bit like a flexable knuckle joint on a socket set

if they get worn they make a knocking sound because of the play in the joint

have a look on how stuff works .com

You mean CV joints?

Ive had one of those replaced before..

How would i be able to find out what part is worn? i guess a new driveshaft wont be cheap

 

[Nath.]

yeah thats right cv "constant velocity" joints, the outer cv joint takes most of the punishment and they normally do all the knocking on full lock

drive round in a circle on full lock and get slightly faster until you get the knocking

clockwise will stress the passenger side cv joint and anticlockwise will stress the drivers side one