*Thunk*

[claine]

I recently purchased a used mk4 gti, we had it checked out by an independent mechanic before I bought it, and it checked out fine. I've been driving it now for about 3 weeks and I noticed that after driving for more than 10 mins or so, when I brake or turn I hear a *thunk* noise coming from under the car. If I had to guess it would be located in the middle of the car toward the front. Its got an aftermarket exhaust on it and i'm wondering if everything is secured as it should be.

I'm starting to get a little concerned although I haven't experienced any kinds of performance problems. I'm thinking of taking it to a VW service department just to see what they had to say. Any help from any of you would be greatly appreciated.

[CYYCgolfGTI]

I had roughly the same problem, especially when I went over speed bumps.

Turned out to be that a bolt holding the sway bar in place was loose. I took it to the dealer and they tightened it up for free.

[claine]

Well thats a relief if that's all thats causing the problem.

I'll give that a try tomorrow, thanks!

[claine]

No such luck. The dealer said that my suspension is aftermarket, therefore no warranty coverage and that the front strut mounts and bearings need to be replaced, with parts and labor they want $420.

Next I had a check engine light that was on, so I had them take a look at that as well. Again, aftermarket parts, they said that my down pipe is cracked and can not be repaired. They recommended a complete system replacement including the cat, and for that they want $1600. They went on to say that since there's less pressure against the turbo, if I didn't replace the exhaust then I'd end up having to replace the turbo as well.

There's a repair shop back where my parents live (2 hours away) that we've been having our VW's serviced at for years, so I'm probably going to take it there. I like the look of the exhaust system, but if its not doing its job then I don't much care, but the price they quoted seems expensive. This is the first car that I've owned, and I'm just getting into the whole "car" thing. I'm worried that they're feeding me a bunch of crap. What do you guys think? Are their recommendations legit?

[PepeLuche]

Originally Posted by claine

No such luck. The dealer said that my suspension is aftermarket, therefore no warranty coverage and that the front strut mounts and bearings need to be replaced, with parts and labor they want $420.

Next I had a check engine light that was on, so I had them take a look at that as well. Again, aftermarket parts, they said that my down pipe is cracked and can not be repaired. They recommended a complete system replacement including the cat, and for that they want $1600. They went on to say that since there's less pressure against the turbo, if I didn't replace the exhaust then I'd end up having to replace the turbo as well.

There's a repair shop back where my parents live (2 hours away) that we've been having our VW's serviced at for years, so I'm probably going to take it there. I like the look of the exhaust system, but if its not doing its job then I don't much care, but the price they quoted seems expensive. This is the first car that I've owned, and I'm just getting into the whole "car" thing. I'm worried that they're feeding me a bunch of crap. What do you guys think? Are their recommendations legit?

Personally, my opinion is , coming from a dealer, nothing is legit. They want your money, and since your car is an import, they can charge you whatever they want.

Find second opinions, like the guys is been working on VW's. He may quote you a better deal. I say that because i have replaced a LOT of parts on my 87 GTI, basically i'm almost rebuilding it, and i have called every time i replace something, just to know how much i would have paid.

Windshield: $ 485.00 w/molding and installed
I Paid : $ 177.00 Installed, molding and guarantee.

Head Gastkets. $ 1,350.00 All head gastkets, valve cover, exhaust, intake manifold, bla bla
I Paid $ 70.00 Set of gaskets. $80 in tools.

Front bumper Cover: $ 575.00 Gti cover, red molding. The thin one.
I Paid $ 70.00 Gti Cover, Red molding. BIG BUMPER.

And the list keeps going. My advise... The heck with the dealers.

I've spoken.

[claine]

I did some more research and found out that a number of people have had this noisy problem with stock and aftermarket suspensions. Anyone else can check out the link here.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=721988

I sprayed some WD-40 on a few places that the recommended, drove it around a bit, no more noise. Funny... 2.50 for a can of WD-40, next I'll get some lithium grease, coat the parts good and stop worrying about it.

[veedubmechanic]

I dont know why a dealer wouldnt want money from warranty! THats BS! vw isnt going to know you have aftermarket suspension unless the dealer takes pictures (which they wont do unless the service manager has a camera) so they should replace the wheel bearings and sway bar end links under warranty! wtf.

If the person before u had an e-bay down pipe then thats the problem. A good downpipe (techtonics/ neuspeed/ ecs tuning) wont crack thats why there $4-500.
Turbocharged cars dont need backpressure because the turbo creates pressure in the exhaust system, installing a free flowing exhaust on a turbo vehicle HELPS it out, not hurts it, thats why people make aftermarket free flowing exhaust.
I dont know what dealer you're taking you car to but I do know one thing, THEY SUCK BALLS and dont know whats goin on. VW pays the dealer for warranty work just like a customer pays the dealer for work. its just when a customer pays the dealer can rape the customer of money cuz customers dont know how much it pays warranty.

[MidMazar]

nice, i have the same problem and can't seem to find the problem, ill see if it needs to be lubed up, as for your question, never go to the dealership unless you dtill have the warrenty, 1600 bucks for a stock exhuast, wow thats ridiculous, when a good techtonics is about 800-1200.

[claine]

Awesome guys. Thanks for all the help. I ended up taking it to a custom shop and they fixed the down pipe for $110. I don't know what kind of pipe it was, but they cut out the piece that broke, welded in a new section of stainless and then welded that piece back to the connection point on the engine. (its not welded onto the manifold in case that wasn't clear) I inspected the welds before I left and they looked excellent. The check engine light was off before I got to the highway.

The lube job fix has worked so far. I understand that the pieces causing the noise in the suspension will need replacing eventually, but its just not getting done right now.

Again thanks to everyone that responded.