2015 T5 California knocking noise when going over rough ground

[ST111]

I have a 2015 T5 California I have had since new and now with 135k miles so I know the van well.
Recent trip to Portugal it developed a "loose" loud knocking noise high up above the cooker/underside of the roof when going over rough ground. Had it checked to see if any issue with suspension which may be resonating but all good. There is wear on the near side underside of the roof caused by contact with the main scissor raising and lowering scisor struts.
I have tried shaking the roof but nothing obviously loose and it still powers up and down. I did note that when partially raised the side with the wear the actuator piston is extended about 1 cm less than the "good" side.
Has anyone experienced this problem and any hints at what to look for.
Thanks

 

[Drpps]

Not heard of this before but could you provide some photos of the wear and the roof shut, the arms etc. That might help with the diagnosis.
There is a 'c' shaped plastic part on the roof mechanism that locates the arms when shut, to clamp it. could that side be missing allowing just a small amount of movement on that side especially when the chassis is flexing slightly?

 

[Herman]

Coat hanger swinging in the wardrobe?

 

[WelshGas]

I have a 2015 T5 California I have had since new and now with 135k miles so I know the van well.
Recent trip to Portugal it developed a "loose" loud knocking noise high up above the cooker/underside of the roof when going over rough ground. Had it checked to see if any issue with suspension which may be resonating but all good. There is wear on the near side underside of the roof caused by contact with the main scissor raising and lowering scisor struts.
I have tried shaking the roof but nothing obviously loose and it still powers up and down. I did note that when partially raised the side with the wear the actuator piston is extended about 1 cm less than the "good" side.
Has anyone experienced this problem and any hints at what to look for.
Thanks

As above and also check that Parts 5 &13 are present.

versa.

 

[kurienp]

as with any noise in a Cali, always look for the cause on the opposite site. Sound resonates quite easily and the cause may be somewhere else. I would:
1. Check that the awning brackets to the roof are tight.
2. The bed slats have not come loose.
3. Close the roof with some soft foam in between the front and the rear scissor mechanisms. Drive and see if the noise appears.

Let us know what you find.

 

[ST111]

Not heard of this before but could you provide some photos of the wear and the roof shut, the arms etc. That might help with the diagnosis.
There is a 'c' shaped plastic part on the roof mechanism that locates the arms when shut, to clamp it. could that side be missing allowing just a small amount of movement on that side especially when the chassis is flexing slightly?

the C shaped

 

[ST111]

the C shaped

Oops hit send too quick,

The C shaped hook is broken or at least a bit missing off the end. do you know where I can buy a new one?

Re wardrobe comment , i emptied the inside of the kitchen and wardrobe and took bike rack off,,,no difference.

 

[WelshGas]

Oops hit send too quick,

The C shaped hook is broken or at least a bit missing off the end. do you know where I can buy a new one?

Re wardrobe comment , i emptied the inside of the kitchen and wardrobe and took bike rack off,,,no difference.

If you are referring to the piece of Tubing about a cm wide with a slit to get it into position. Any piece of Hosepipe would do. It’s not shown on the Parts Diagram I posted so won’t be available as a VW part.

 

[ST111]

As above and also check that Parts 5 &13 are present.

versa.

HI Folks, really appreciate the guidance, bit of a head scratcher this one. Working away this week but will get on it this weekend and let you know what I find.
Thanks again

 

[ST111]

Two photos attached: the first shows the wear and the "hook" on the roof which has the end broken off.
The second shows #5 in the Illustrated parts drawing above is missing.

I am wondering if apart from the missing part the actuator is fully retracting the roof on the side with knocking? I don't know how to check as control panel is showing the roof is closed correctly.

Appreciate any guidance.

Thanks