Front end "clunk" when reversing and going over bumps

[thorin33]

I have been getting this wierd clunk anytime I reverse and turn the wheel or when I am going slowly over a speed bump. Not sure what it is. It is on a 2002 GTI 1.8T.

[MusicalGenius]

Re: Front end "clunk" when reversing and going over bumps

Clunk or grind, from the front or rear, left or right?

[Bucky]

Re: Front end "clunk" when reversing and going over bumps

As it goes for going over bumps, i had a weird noise almost like a clunking and it was my swaybar bushings. I replaced them and the noise was gone. Might wanna have a look at those?

Sorry for lack of input on my part

[thorin33]

Re: Front end "clunk" when reversing and going over bumps

Definitely a clunk comimg from the front. Hard to pinpoint left or right. Not my CV's as I checked those. My rear sway probably does need new bushings but that isn't the issue.

[MechEngg]

Re: Front end "clunk" when reversing and going over bumps

Could be many things, just have to pinpoint it

LCA bushings
upper strut bushings/bearings
axle nut
wheel bearing
ball joint

My bet is LCA bushings

[bonfire]

Re: Front end "clunk" when reversing and going over bumps

My guess is upper strut bushings/bearings.

[DriverFound.]

Re: Front end "clunk" when reversing and going over bumps

My guess is upper strut bushings/bearings.

When your upper strut bushing/bearing goes they usually make a few knocking noises whenever you turn the wheel hard at a stand still(give that a shot.) But my money is on MechEngg's guess, Lower control arm bushings do cause clunking when hitting bumps. If you are gonna replace those im gonna say get an upgraded prothane kit. Why? Because you will never have the chance of ovalizing your bushings, like i imagine you have now. Air chisle, bottle jack and your ready to rock.

Hope this helped.

[MechEngg]

Re: Front end "clunk" when reversing and going over bumps

When your upper strut bushing/bearing goes they usually make a few knocking noises whenever you turn the wheel hard at a stand still(give that a shot.) But my money is on MechEngg's guess, Lower control arm bushings do cause clunking when hitting bumps. If you are gonna replace those im gonna say get an upgraded prothane kit. Why? Because you will never have the chance of ovalizing your bushings, like i imagine you have now. Air chisle, bottle jack and your ready to rock.

Hope this helped.

If this happens to be the case then i highly recommend AGAINST the poly bushings. Reasons:
- they squeak after a few months
- they wear out fairly quick if you are lowered 1-3"
- They will actually pop out of the control arm if you are on air and air out completely. They also bind when you go super low and prevent you from laying out. This happens with the R32 bushings too if you air out.

Recommendations:
- Stock height to lowered 3" - R32 bushings
- Lowered more than 3" (~23" ftg and lower) - OEM bushings