Subframe clunking, creaking, popping? Give this a try - MKV GTI - Easy DIY How to

More info: forums.vwvortex...
This fixed my problem, how did it work out for you?

[@_Volkhunter_]

I love that ending 😅. Such a clean and crisp sound

[@Tuchh]

My clunking was a sway bar bolt under the subframe (audi a3 2005) the bolt wouldn't tighten up fully, the other 3 did, I just replaced all 4, clunking fixed :)

[@JamesKelly89]

My 2010 JSW is making a loud popping noise when turning sharply, quickly accelerating or rapidly decelerating. The noise sounds like it is coming from directly beneath the center console, and since I replaced the CV joints I'm inclined to believe it is the subframe shifting around. ECS tuning has a bolt and spacer kit for $99 but that seems kind of steep for 4 bolts and a couple of thin metal spacers.

[@rorygower382]

Did you find out what your problem was?

[@shotbyram]

Did you figure this out?

[@Roh_Echt]

Not sure where "most agree upon 81 lb*ft plus 1/4 turn" comes from. When the VAG torque specs are listed at 70 Nm (51 lb*ft) plus 1/4 turn; for all of the M12 x 1.5 bolts used for the subframe.

[@jamiegregory5718]

I have just bought a mk5 r32 dsg, car drives faultlessly other than reversing at near full lock off my driveway where I get this clunking noise (quite off putting). Going to try this first for sure, some people have mentioned top strut replacement too. My first ever vw and first performance car.

[@gunmanx4]

dude same my mk6 golf makes a clunking noise when turning into my driveway

[@jamiegregory5718]

@@gunmanx4 mine ended up being a cv joint

[@malcolmisk00l]

Subbed! I am having this problem with my Rabbit right now when pulling into an incline entrance or my ally way, I will def check this out.

[@Joelkswagen]

What kind of sound are you getting, one single pop/clunk or multiple in succession?

[@malcolmisk00l]

Its a almost a creaking sound when pulling into an incline. it sounds like the frame is being torqued one way and shifts all the interior panels.

[@Bahram321]

+Joelkswagen my a4 is making a popping/clunking noise at slow acceleration and turning and it is multiple succession when it does it.

[@henrig4409]

+Malcolm "Damn Shawty, That Ass Fat" Hansen I dont know if this fixed it for you, but your case is typical sway bar squeak, where the bushing need to be replaced. (I know its a long time ago , still might help others if not you)

[@anthonygianfrancesco6548]

Joelkswagen multiple in succession. Any idea what It is ?

[@dannic8987]

Just done this to my mk5 jetta, noises have returned after a week. Think it may have been because it was up on a lift that cured it temporarily, looking to the dogbone engine mount next, only thing left 🤦‍♂️

[@VeeDub2000]

I hope this is the solution to my problem. A month ago I changed my rear control arm bushings and of course I had to take the bolts out of the subframe to remote one of the control arms. I believe the subframe is now moving around. I just ordered these bolts and some spacers. Keeping my fingers crossed.

[@45llamas]

did it work?

[@VeeDub2000]

Marcelo so it ended up not being the subframe, although if you undo the bolts in the subframe you should replace the old subframe bolts with new ones. My issue ended up being the long bolt that goes into the front control arm bushing (there is one in the front and one in the rear). Apparently I didn’t tighten that front control arm bushing tight enough. Once I figured out the problem, the creaking and popping went away. If you’re having the same problem really make sure every bolt has been tightened. I overlooked that ONE bolt and that ended up being the problem. Here is a link to the pic of the bolt that wasn’t tightened all the way for me: www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Volkswagen_Golf_GTI_Mk_V/84-SUSPEN-Replacing_Front_Control_Arm_Bushings/84-SUSPEN-Replacing_Front_Control_Arm_Bushings.htm

[@MrPaxim]

Is the setup the same for the MKVI? I have the same clunking but cannot get my car up on blocks to look underneath. Too low!

[@rhcp09123]

Love the sound of your GTI, what kind of mods do you have for it?

[@landenrowland7005]

Dude u helped me lift a huge weight off my shoulders

[@dopiaza2006]

Those new bolts will be torque to yield. Needs a fairly low torque inital tighten then 90 or 180 degree further tightening. If you don't get to the TTY torque they could come loose.

[@RedondoBeach2]

What components of the subframe wear, and what routine maintenance of the subframe should be considered when refreshing the entire suspension at 120K miles? Referring to a '04 GTI VR6.

[@Joelkswagen]

When it comes to routine maintenance of suspension, that is challenging. I take the approach of don't fix what isn't broken when it comes to suspension. Hearing noise or noticing a clunk, car drifting a bit to one side? That is when I consider these kind of repairs. This might be a good thread for you to check out forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5301322-ECS-Tuning-Mk4-Suspension-Refresh-Kits-Free-Shipping-!!!

[@austinh77]

Solved my problem, thanks!

[@shelbyfoister587]

I've had a loud pop in my front suspension for years that I can't seem to find. I notice it when cornering semi aggressively. When I auto cross it's a loud BANG... is this the kind of clunk that this is meant to fix?

[@Armyboyn1]

Dis you manage to fix that? I have that also

[@joeyfield9464]

Anyone know what this sounds like before the fix? I have a noise and don’t know if this could fix it

[@tag4112]

i have a clunking sound when i hit the brake, any ideas? i was thinking subframe possibly, new control arm bushings, ball joints,tie rods, brakes, and swap bar bushings.

[@hemidesign]

check my answer above..

[@gtidriver5331]

Tyler Wyltk i had the same exact symptoms. Mine was the cv boots. Check yours too.

[@roadkingretired]

Anyone ‘clunking’ when hard breaking only??

[@bonlau1902]

Thanks bro, may I know is there any fast method take the left control arm bolt? I know people generally lower the subframe a bit, so any faster method?

[@45llamas]

I have a clunking noise when: braking hard, turning hard and acelerating. Been with this issue for month. Have no idea what could it be :(

[@farkasmaria9629]

Did you find anything about the problem?

[@45llamas]

@@farkasmaria9629 no bro, still making the noise sent it to the shop they could figure it out

[@hbkillah8542]

@@45llamas have the same problem, bought this new bolts nd after a day, same noise occured again, search on the forums nd mostly everyone recommended subframe spacers plates from ecs tuning

[@MatthewTaylor3]

I've had the replacement bolts purchased ever since watching this video, but I haven't installed them as yet. Does anyone happen to know the part numbers for the other bolts that need to be "tightened", so I can buy those as new?

[@ZTEKFORCE]

I have a 2009 VW GTI 6-spd manual that has some front vibration/clunking on the left side while driving over 20 mph, as soon as I hit the throttle the problem goes away. Any ideas?

[@m.o.g6997]

Strut mounts possibly? When you give the car throttle the weight shifts off of the front struts, possibly making the clunking go away?

[@Jasper9072]

Hi, do you know if the bolts are good for Passat b6 2007 ? I have the same noise.

[@MatthewTaylor3]

Yes, the B6 Passat uses the same front end as the MK5 Golf

[@saltyfish24]

034 motorsports do aftermarket arp bolts with locking collars

[@medzid2298]

Hello, I'd like to hear your professional opinion. My 2006 Audi A3 8p DSG makes a clunk sound when downshifting to 2nd gear. Sometimes it does, sometimes not. Could broken bolt maybe be the issue??? Thanks!

[@garymathe9863]

A bolt is not likely. Might be a faulty mechatronic unit. Also, have you done a DSG fluid/filter service?

[@IndiSkyz]

Medzid, it's your dual mass flywheel that makes that noise. Make sure you change your dsg fluid every 40k. The flywheel has a service life, it will start to make lots of noise at idle and you will know that it needs to be changed.

[@medzid2298]

@@IndiSkyz Hello and thank you for your answer. I maintain my car on time always, the DSG service (oil and filter) was done just recently. No vibrations, no rough shifting or anything that is affecting the driving, just that clunk sound. And recently I've noticed like tiny clunking on stand still... So I'm asuming flywheel it is then

[@jdomingo91]

i have an audi tt mk2 (8J) and it does a cluncking noises. Does this bolts fit to my TT?

[@FalconMillenium]

Hi, I also have this clunking noise on my TT Mk2. Have you change the bolts ? Thanks.

[@_.R.F.X.L._]

I change that and still clanking....

[@fockyoumang]

What about the mk4? My subframe keeps making a popping/banging noise like it's building up then releases. Can I use those bolts on a 2002 Volkswagen Golf gti 1.8t 337?

[@Joelkswagen]

I imagine the sub-frame is slightly different on the mk4.

[@MrS22222]

That's probably an engine mount, they go bad and do that exact thing.

[@jamiel5787]

MKIV is much different from the V.. Most like its the lower control arm bushings are shot.. I have read that upgrading them to the solid R32 bushings will help this noise. Mine makes the popping sound when I back out of my drive. Got the Bushings just need to make it my business to get it done

[@ThunderMarz]

I have a noise on start up in my GTI MK5 it's some sort of a clacking noise that stays for around 2 seconds on start up. I tried different mechanics and no one seems to know what's the deal! I hope you can help me with that

[@BudgetPhoenix]

I got the updated tensioner and I still get clacking sometimes on startup in my 09 TSI, no clue what is and its rare and random.

[@Alex-mc7yx]

If it is located on the bottom right of your engine by where the oil pan is, then it will most likely be your Timing Chain Tensioner. Mine is doing exactly what you are saying but is completely shot and it rattles all the time. Google this is the part number: 06F109217A or you could get the Febi oil pump chain & tensioner kit from ECS Tuning if you think the chain is really damaged. Their part number is 06B198130C or 3142387.

[@MuzzaMiki]

Does the front bumper need to come off for this?

[@4ndy65]

No Remove the under engine cover

[@colehavenar2638]

does this apply to the MK6's as well?

[@hemidesign]

yes

[@djmrhigh]

I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM IN MY MK6 AS WELL

[@45llamas]

did this solve it?

[@GrahamPetersen299]

thank you!

[@djmrhigh]

what Exhaust do you have love that sound

[@MatthewTaylor3]

It sounds stock, but de-catted in my opinion

[@45llamas]

this started to get worst every time my car wheelhops when i launch it

[@fredofernandez9175]

me too once i launched it a couple times and not i get clucking and thought it was the axle

[@KevinBaird75]

Anyone find this screw update useful for mk7 golfs?

[@JockNmystyle-]

Kevin Baird wondering the same thing here

[@ryanmills7001]

ha! that's me!!!!!!!