Hi just wondering if anyone has had the same issue or some ideas..
Over rough roads I get a rattle/ light banging from the front left. Sounds like a large piece of plastic or metal knocking.
Be great if anyone has any suggestions
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2014 8:00 am
by salsajoe
A few people have found the bonnet stay caused a rattle. Could try wrapping some foam to see?
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2014 9:00 pm
by selleym
Thanks I will have a look at that. But it sound more like its coming from under the car?
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2014 6:22 am
by moulin12
Me too. As I was driving into work the other day a colleague alerted me to a rattle he could hear coming from underneath the car: he said it sounded 'hollow', as if dragging along a piece of plastic. I've seen threads and a video on rattles from the protective plate under the dsg box, but?
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2014 7:36 am
by selleym
I had a closer listen today. Wondering if it could be wires or lines banging on one of the panels?
Whatever is making the banging noise sounds large. Like a panel or protective plate...
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2014 7:54 am
by Cuprabob
Could be a broken spring. Sadly, not too uncommon on VAG cars.
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2014 8:00 am
by selleym
Would that be easy to spot by me (car novice) with just having a look?
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2014 8:27 am
by Cuprabob
Not always easy to spot as they tend to break close to the end of the spring. Other possibilities are ARB bushes, top mounts and ball joints.
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 9:19 am
by selleym
Seems to be more noticeable when going around a corner... Not sure if that would point towards anything?
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 7:15 pm
by moulin12
selleym wrote:Seems to be more noticeable when going around a corner... Not sure if that would point towards anything?
That might simply be because buildings /architecture on corners may be directing the sound directly towards you? (Just a thought).
There are many threads out on VAG having MFW issues. Have a listen to this: " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Whilst my rattle is not in the least as alarming as this, and appears intermittent, the 'marbles in a can' sound seems the same.
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2014 7:35 am
by selleym
Cheers for the idea but its not that. Its definitely from going over rough ground.
I'm hoping VW checked the springs and everything before selling me it(hopeful) as its an approved used with 1 year warranty.
I am going to try wrapping the bonnet stay in some foam to stop it moving. But i have a feeling it is more towards the underside/front left wheel.
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2014 5:24 pm
by Babajang
Ive not read the whole thred completely so could be repeating what somebody else has already said. Try pushing on the plastic on the side areas between where the gear sticks is mounted in and where the passengers legs would be. i had a shocking rattle coming from there and it took ages to find it!
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2014 8:05 pm
by moulin12
selleym wrote:Cheers for the idea but its not that. Its definitely from going over rough ground.
I'm hoping VW checked the springs and everything before selling me it(hopeful) as its an approved used with 1 year warranty.
I am going to try wrapping the bonnet stay in some foam to stop it moving. But i have a feeling it is more towards the underside/front left wheel.
To add, this is exactly where my rattle seems to be coming from.
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2014 8:38 pm
by selleym
Hi moulin,
have you done any investigation into your rattle to rule out things that it isn't?
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 6:50 am
by moulin12
Hi Selleym, tbh no, but partly on the basis that the car is booked in for a VAG service on July 30th and that I'm booked in to take a test drive with the technician to investigate a small concern over a possible misfire at idle, so will be bringing the rattle to his attention.
It's also the case that my home address does not have a driveway, and the road has a huge camber, ruling out any underbody investigations. That and, well, I'm getting on a bit...
However, open to all suggestions, and will of course provide an update on the outcome of the service visit.
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2014 7:27 pm
by selleym
I removed the bonnet stay from the car. The rattle continued so ruled that out.
I also ran my hand from the top of both shock springs from top to bottom and I couldn't feel anything wrong with it.
I then started just prodding around seeing if anything rattled when moved... I found the under then passenger side the long bit of plastic that runs under the car. Guessing its for protection? When I push on that it hits on something if I wobble it up and down it rattles!!
Wondering if this happens for anyone else? Maybe I can remove it and put something in between the plastic and whatever its hitting.
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2014 8:20 am
by moulin12
I had come across this earlier, perhaps should have posted it up as a possible; " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2014 10:39 am
by selleym
Thats pretty much where i can hear it coming from! But i have a manual. But i guess something else under there could be contacting it instead...
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2014 11:00 am
by matt_j_smith
Long shot, but I found my horn kept working loose. Remove headlight and see if its smashing about on the undertray.
Re: Banging/Rattle
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2014 10:36 pm
by selleym
Cheers I will check that aswell!
While having a further knock around for the rattle I found that the protective under tray bits which stick down were full of stones!
Picture below of the bits I mean! Also you can see some of the stones that I bashed out on the floor expecting my mpg to soar now
From the prodding around I definitely think its the plastic hitting the metal underneath! Should foam be ok to just put in the gap?