Rear Suspension Noise

[isis 0]

My 1992 1.9 GTI has rear suspension that performs well but never had a rear beam rebuild after 100k miles. I do however get a sporadic sharp ' crack' noise emitted over larger bumps and wallows or hard cornering. It sounds as though some part of the beam is perhaps dry and slipping. The beam seems to perform, so I am confused. Thanks.

[barneys66 122 1 Cars]

Check shock mounts..?

[Mikey S 29 1 Cars]

Rear beam mounts, especially if it's wallowing about. Baker BM do a full kit to replace them for not alot of money.

 

I've a set of his Group 'A' beam mounts (acetal bushes and machined alloy blocks) to go on mine imminently.

 

Mike

[isis 0]

Thanks boys. I will test those points. I actually have 4 x 1.9s and all of them have the same sporadic,sharp, loud crack noise over larger dips and bumps. What are the known symptoms for the beam needing a rebuild?

I have tried jacking one car up and testing for movement from the rear wheels, but none it seems.

[welshpug 1,655]

the only 100% failsafe method is to strip them down, most of the time you cannot feel the play with the dampers torsion bars and arb attached.

[jackherer 543]

If the anti roll bar end plate bolt loosens it can make a lot of noise.

 

As already said though, rebuild it before it's too late. If you wait until there is obvious play or negative camber it will be much more expensive to rebuild and may need a new crosstube.

[steve@cornwall 100]

May sound daft, but spare tyre deflating with time and allowing movement in the cradle? Get a nice tyre on metal sound too

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

ARB plate.

[isis 0]

Thanks guys, I will report.