VW Golf Mk5 front suspension clunking noise DIY repair fail. How to fit new track control arm bush.

VW Golf Mk5 front suspension DIY attempt to fix mysterious clunking noise at front end. Replacing the track control arm bush failed to fix the problem.What next?

[@KhongelaniR]

Can the part that fastens the bushings, where you remove the number 18 bolt, be replaced? What is the name of that part? It's broken in half.

[@b33zo]

Thanks for watching. I belive that part is known as Track Control Arm Bush which is GSF part number DTSBSH0056L Good luck. b33zo

[@ajpepe72]

I have exactly the same clunk, all ball joints are fine and drop links have been replaced, noise still there. Next up is replacing the subframe bolts which is a common problem. Did you get to the bottom of your issue ?

[@b33zo]

Thanks for watching Pugsley. I still havent sorted this problem out. Can't see any loose bolts anywhere. Going to check anti-roll bar bushes when I can get under the car..
b33zo

[@ajpepe72]

@@b33zo I’ve replaced my subframe bolts now with upgraded ones, no difference. I was going to change roll bar bushes but since discovered they are bonded to the bar so to remove it’s a big job as have to drop subframe, people have said not to bother as they never go due to the way they are fitted/bonded. Shock absorber mounts next for me to check.

[@b33zo]

@@ajpepe72 wow that's disappointing on the subframe bolts. What I'm noticing is that whichever side either drops into a hole or goes over a bump the clunking happens. I guess the worse it gets the more obvious it is to see where the fault is... ATB b33zo

[@DBnks-rd5oe]

@@ajpepe72did you change the shock absorber mount? Did this solve your problem? Same issue here

[@ajpepe72]

@@DBnks-rd5oe no, when driving it seems independent of the shock absorber movement.

[@b4tm4nrubin33]

You could have put the rubber bush in the freezer over night to shrink it slightly

[@b33zo]

Thanks for watching and for the suggestion. b33zo

[@ralphdixon6651]

Had exact same problem it turned out to be the drop links

[@b33zo]

Thanks for watching Ralph. Yes that was the first thing I checked but I replaced one a couple of years ago and the other seems okay. Having another go at the weekend... b33zo

[@boguscop]

@@b33zomy drop links only lasted a couple of years before they needed replacing again.

[@b33zo]

@@boguscop Thanks for watching again. Wondering what actually puts wear on drop links. Rough roads, going up and down kerbs, poor shock absorbers? ATB b33zo

[@boguscop]

@@b33zo yeah pretty much all that plus the quality of the drop links you fit.