clunk

[CaseyVR6]

2000 Jetta VR6 MT 188,000 miles

I've got this noise that comes from the front end of the car. It is best described as a *clunk*, usually one, never more than two (*clunk clunk*). It shows up durring hard acceleration, firm brakes, and sometimes durring slow (sharp) turns like in a parking lot.

I noticed it showed up almost directly after replacing the right CV joint/axle. For the record, it broke before I replaced it. Any ideas? Any easy ways to isolate the problem further, or completly?

[Gee_Dubya]

My 99.5 Jetta is doing the same. Check your control arm busings. Check the front bushings--they are probably torn like mine.

[CaseyVR6]

That's a good heads up... I was actually thinking it may be the sway bar bushings, or even the transmission or engine mounts. Drag is I've only got an apartment garage and a small floor jack to work with so it's difficult to get around and under and look properly.

I so desperately need a friend who has a driveway and a fully outfitted garage...

[veedubmechanic]

WHat did you torq the axle bolts to on the trans side? They should be 25ft lbs each and the axle nut should be i think 220 then back off 2 turns then 240nM

[CaseyVR6]

To Close this post:

The clunking was the struts up front. I replaced everything except the stock spring (ran out of money or that would have been done too). The car has no more clunking and squeaking/grinding. The control arm and sway bar bushings look like they will be the next cause for noise. Also to be noted, although not the cause for the noise, the garage I used to have my cv/axle replaced put the wrong bolts in at the transfer case... so I had to go to the dealership and have them swap out the bolts and torque them down right.