Struts/Mounting Plate?

I have a 99.5 Jetta (2.0l) with 60K miles. There is a thumping from the front wheel areas on both sides when going over rough bumps/railway tracks etc. After increasing the tire pressure to 32PSI, it became more pronounced. There is no sway in the front, and the shocks seem OK as there is no bouncing or bottoming out going over larger bumps. Everything else in the drive is tight. How do I tell if the shocks/struts need to be replaced, or just the mounts, or could this even be the problem?

You often hear people complain about this type of thing happening when they get a new exhaust. I can't say that this is true for your case, but are you certain the sound is coming from your wheel wells? perhaps something could be loose with your down-pipe and when you hit something its bouncing around. I have that situation now with my aftermarket exhaust and my rear axle... :banghead: Just thought i'd throw out another possibility....good luck with it.

Go stand over your wheels and push down on the hood of the car hard, if it is bouncy and makes the noise, and bounces up and down more than once, you need new struts.