Minor Clunk

[cadman2k]

Here's a one for the experts !
Noticed a Minor Clunking Noise coming from front whilst going over bumps the other day.
Since then have done some testing on uneven roads - and get multiple rapid clunking where roads have many abnormalities, No clunking on smooth roads, also tested out of gear at low speed and still present all on uneven roads (with bumps).
Had all 4 corners of the brakes done recently (disks & pads) and suspected brake pad rattle at first but included in the testing is the application of brakes and car still does noise with brakes applied to can I rule that out ?
Ok today have rocked the car (up and down -side to side motion) with the engine off and have managed to get the car to do it. (can hear it inside as I have drivers window down) no outside Noise. One thing I have noticed is if I turn the steering away from centre to full lock either way and carry out the same Test It does not do it ?
Anyone got thoughts! I am suspecting Control Arm bushings or other bushing with general wear and tear (car on 90K) - No problems at all with steering - car perfectly in straight line etc.etc.
Any thoughts appreciated...........before I contemplate on where to take it....

 

[THE_ORACLE]

Anyone got thoughts! I am suspecting Control Arm bushings or other bushing with general wear and tear (car on 90K) - No problems at all with steering - car perfectly in straight line etc.etc.

I would have the same thoughts to be honest.. when was it last MOTed Due ???

 

[cadman2k]

It was last MOT'd in May 2009 and is due 1st June 2010. Assume bushing wear would be picked up on an MOT Test ?
Is it worth just waiting till the Test and service (both due at the same time) and advising on it when I put it in ?
Could put up with it for a while but may end up driving me crazy...... Had a wheel bearing off for 2-3 weeks and that drove me round the twist, Have never had the radio as Loud Ever......

 

[THE_ORACLE]

I wouldnt leave it that long with the extra wear/strain. its obviously out of warrenty now being 90k do you know anyone to get it on the lift to confirm.. dont think i could cope with it.

 

[cadman2k]

Yes, well out of warranty, the car was one of the first Altea's in the country back in 2004, I'll just book it in the dealer. The car has a Full Dealer History and is still very strong with 90K on the clock, its the 140 2.0TDI sport model.
Just back in from a 70 mile round drive over the hills, plenty of uneven roads and plenty of minor clunks. I'm pretty convinced I have it identified on the drivers side so hopefully the dealer will pick up what the problem is. I was reading that overtime the sub-frames of the car can become loose and cause clunks/rattles, apparently the only way to recifty that is to put new bolts in (stretch bolts i believe).
I do howver now think it is mre likely to be an ARB bush, a Tie Rod end bush or other,??

 

[IbizaAlex]

Could be a few things. Anti roll bar link, arb bushes, wishbone rear bush would be the first things I would look at when the car is on the ramp. My altea has done dead on 90k now and wishbone bushes are just starting to crack, but everything else is fine. Doing to be replaced with the whiteline WALK kit rather than just another set of standard bushes. Or you can fit the solid bushes from the leon cupras.

 

[cadman2k]

Long Story, but now finally diagnosed as offside Drop Link - Cost of Drop Links Dealer part - £25.
Car in Thursday having both sides replaced, quite a common problem I have been told so hopefully Friday all back to perfectly normal...... fingers crossed.

 

[will105]

mines the same , control arm bushes , gradually getting worse , was thinking of getting poly one , anyone got them

 

[cadman2k]

All done, both sides replaced (Clunks completely gone) £50 for parts less discount + Labour - Dealer Total £80 - Pretty much a bargain for the Main Dealer.

 

[will105]

hi was it your front bushes replaced , bought one from Dave "SERE" for under a tenner , but i suppose fitted and all for £80 is not ott

 

[cadman2k]

No it wasn't a bush it was the ANTI ROLL BAR STABILISER LINK otherwise known as a DROP LINK,
The Dealer Price for these is about £25 each although you can probably get your usual Motor Discount store replacement version for half that price but have no idea what the quality would be like?
Apparently its a common fault for these to go on VAG motors.

 

[will105]

Just received my bush in the post today , so maybe i dont need it but i bought drop link from ecp , lemforder oe quality for £36 for the pair so have all i need i hope to fit this weekend , those genuine droplink were ok fitted for £80 , priced them werent much less than £60 from what i remember