heeelp!!! Busted Jetta

My MKIII idles fine, just under 1K, but it rumbles really bad. My windows shake and rattle. When i accelerate, the engine roars, and it feels like it lags, too. Also, sometimes when taking off, going straight, it makes a grinding sound. The BIGGEST problem would be that when i shift, the whole front end just drops, REALLY HARD, like the engine is dropping. Could it be the motor mounts or the suspension? PLEASE HELP. My car is falling apart.

It sure sounds like something there is loose. Have someone watch the engine, get in start and slowly let out the clutch in forward & reverse with one foot on the brake to load the mounts. You can do the same with an automatic, but may need to give it some gas with the brakes held on.

If i do load the mounts, and they are the problem, will it bust them completely? Because i need to drive it to the shop. Also i dont think the engine itself is the problem. The loud noises are not from the engine, possibly the grinding of certain parts or just the rattle of loose motor mounts?!?

Loading the mounts shouldn't hurt them any worse. You're sure it's not something in the transaxle, particularly the differential. Does it idle quieter if you put the clutch pedal in?

I have no idea what the problem is. How can i tell if it is the transaxle? The idle itself is below 1k, but it rumbles hard, unless if i give it a little, constant gas it does NOT rumble, like its fine.

No, it does not idle quieter with the clutch in. Can you tell me where the mounts are?

At the front by the starter, at the transmission towards the left (of car) rear, at the right rear of the engine by the exhaust downpipe.

So, is there 3 total? And can i replace them myself, or do i have to have a lift?

Well you will need to lift the car up enough to get under it and also have something to hold the motor up as well while you do it... jack stands for the car and a jack with a wood block under the transmission should work... be careful please. If you don't know what you are doing, don't get under there and start unbolting things without supporting everything and without someone else there to back you up.

Well, i read in the manual that USUALLY the first one to start acting up is the one next to the timing gear. It sounds like it is that one, also. The way it sounds is like it is a horizontal bolt, not a vertical one. Should i be able to fix it without the jack?

You will neet to get under the car & have a way to support the drivetrain while the mount is out.