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Dear All, I'd appreciate your help with the following issue! Having passed it's MOT last year, the GTI has been out on a couple of excursions, and hasn't broken down, caught fire, exploded or instantaneously disassembled itself, so far at least! I have however been noticing some worrying noises from the engine bay. The noise is a pronounced clunk (something hitting the shell), and it seems to come from area of the front RH suspension. It started off quiet and occasional, but seems to be getting worse and worse. It occurs when I put the vehicle under power (and remove it), but only if throttle changes are above gentle. If I drive gently, it does not occur. It almost sounds like something is sliding backwards and hitting the shell when the power is applied, and it slides forwards again when the power is removed. I cannot reproduce it under sharp braking, and it is more difficult to get it in first gear than second/third. I cannot detect any movement in the suspension, even when rocking the wheel back and forwards / side to side vigorously. I've had the wheels off, and double checked all suspension & subframe bolts for tightness. I originally suspected the ARB, but could find nothing wrong at all. As far as I can tell, there is nothing loose or floating. With the wheels chocked, and the girlfriend rocking the car in reverse, I can get it to clunk, but I cannot see anything tapping. As far as I can tell, nothing is close enough. Suspension bushes are all brand new, as are the ARB bushes, drop links, shock struts, and top bearings. I have also changed the engine mounts for new ones, and this has no effect. What else is there that I haven't checked? Any other ideas of how I could find the culprit? Any advise is greatly appreciated. Many thanks, Mike

Hi all, Hope everyone's ok. My 1.6 8v has been back on the road a few weeks now and I'm really enjoying it but I have a niggling problem with one or more of the driveshafts. Basically when using more than about half lock, powering on in corners or especially in reverse the driveshaft(s) knock. At slow speeds (backing off the drive/car parks etc.) I can feel it in the steering wheel but when driving along I can't feel it, just hear it. The car has always done this since I've had her (13 years) and the driveshafts that are on now have only done a minimal mileage despite being about 4 years old. Before they went on I went through a number of driveshafts on both sides but even when they're brand new I still get the annoying knocking. The boots are all fine and there are no leaks (I've checked these myself and it has just gone through MOT). As far as I know it's all standard (1989 1.6 8v) so I can't see as there'd be any issues with hubs etc but I'm totally at a loss. Is there anything else that may be causing this knocking or is it just how it is? Thanks for any help. Ian.