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Creaking - worn top joints?

Lost Boy

Lost Boy

Messages
229
Location
Surrey
Vehicle
T5 SE 180
I have noticed a creaking (not really clunking) from my front suspension (standard VW lowered suspension), usually when first driving and at slower speeds over speeds humps or uneven surfaces, as the day goes on it seems to disappear. Not sure if its anything serious but the dealership suggested maybe worn top joints.

I wondered if anyone else had had theirs replaced or had experienced similar creaking?

Thanks
 
Had this on our old 2011 as soon as it went out of warranty, for us it was the CV joint.
 
We bought our 2014SE from a dealer a couple of months ago. The initial MOT had a number of advisorys including one about steering noise. The dealer volunteered to sort out all advisory points and get a new MOT done. Looking at the service sheet they replaced both front suspension top mount bearings. The steering noise advisory was not on the retest certificate and we have not noticed any noise when steering. So could be the top joints or as BigMan suggests the CV joints. I would hope that a good mechanic will be able to work out the source quite quickly once they get a proper look at it for you?
 
Anti roll bar bushes?
 
Finally got it diagnosed and it looks like it could be the anti roll bar bushes (well done sidepod!).

Anyone had them done and have an idea on price, I have been quoted at £155 fitted at my VW specialist with genuine parts, sounds OK I think?
 
Sounds like a main dealer price. But I f you have a creak then worth it for the peace of mind and quiet. If you really want to save a few bob and have the time you could buy the bushes and get any garage to fit them, it's a simple job. My local VW man would charge £50 max plus about £17 for the parts.
Please do post the result as I'd be interested to know if getting them changed fixes the creak.
 
Skewif said:
Sounds like a main dealer price. But I f you have a creak then worth it for the peace of mind and quiet. If you really want to save a few bob and have the time you could buy the bushes and get any garage to fit them, it's a simple job. My local VW man would charge £50 max plus about £17 for the parts.
Please do post the result as I'd be interested to know if getting them changed fixes the creak.
Click to expand...
is your guy near you in Brighton, might be worth a trip?
 
Lost Boy said:
is your guy near you in Brighton, might be worth a trip?
Click to expand...
Tom is in Small Dole. Used to work for VW but now gone out on his own. His unit is at the back of what looks like a muddy lorry park but don't let that put you off. He knows his stuff, has all the kit and I totally trust him. I've just phoned and asked him how much for your bushes and he said about £40 fitted including VW genuine parts!!! Please please if you use him round it up to £50 and tell him Steve with the jacked up California recommended him. I'll PM you his details.

PS. I'd also ask his opinion regarding the creak.
 
Last edited:
Well I decided to get the anti roll bar bushes and mounts done....turns out its not that :(
 
Oh no! So you’ve had both done and still have a creak?
 
Finally got around to letting someone have a look at the creaking (which has got worse through the winter), looks like it is the top joints, the boots hadn't been fitted properly by the looks of it, when the van was lowered at the dealers when new. As T5 top mounts no longer available the T6 ones need modification and extra work to fit genuine VW parts so it looks like upgraded aftermarket top mounts for me!
 
Glad to hear you’ve found the problem. I’m a little puzzled about anything needing modifications though. The new upgraded T6 top mounts come in 3 parts, spring plate, bearing and rubber mount. They must be changed as a set and are a direct replacement for the old T5 ones so nothing should ever need modding. If you ever find out I’d love to know what they think needed modding.
If you need aftermarket ones you can’t go wrong with these: https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-T6-T5-U...461643&hash=item2f1036eacb:g:FqAAAOSw0exaHpAj Can get them from VW Heritage too but more expensive.

If you haven’t had the work done yet can I recommend you get the track control arm bushes upgraded to the T32 ones while the front suspension is out. Doing this will stop almost all the loose, crashy, knocking feeling through the steering when on rough ground, hitting pot holes, speed bumps etc. Ask Tom or any independent Transporter Merchanic about this. It makes a world of different and well worth the few extra pennies while the van is apart. Will need to have the tracking done after though. Happy to give you part numbers etc if needs be.
 
I went with the genuine full T6 replacements top mounts and as suggested by Skewif the ugraded track control arm bushes and he's right, no creaking, rides like a dream and that shuddering vibration when you hit a pothole has also gone, feel like a new van. thanks all for your help.
 
Lost Boy said:
I went with the genuine full T6 replacements top mounts and as suggested by Skewif the ugraded track control arm bushes and he's right, no creaking, rides like a dream and that shuddering vibration when you hit a pothole has also gone, feel like a new van. thanks all for your help.
Click to expand...
Great news. Glad you got it all sorted :thumb

Did they need to modify anything to get T6 top mounts in?
 
Last edited:
I saw this thread title and thought "talking about my hips again"? :sad
 
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