Intermittent front end wobble

[Tangle Foot]

2009 174 Auto 37k miles.

Whole front end would wobble and shake violently but not at any specific speed. I could pull over and have a look, pull away and it would be fine.

A small amount of internet digging has shown maybe a driveshaft?? But at 37K miles???!!!

Not steering related at all as steering wheel is rock steady when the shaking is happening.

 

[Meoncoast]

no idea but had something like that on another car and it was a broken engine mount

 

[Freeley]

I'd have thought you were doing well to have had a driveshaft that's lasted 37k!
Sounds strange I bet it's one of those things that never happens when the dealer has it

 

[Tangle Foot]

I'd have thought you were doing well to have had a driveshaft that's lasted 37k!
Sounds strange I bet it's one of those things that never happens when the dealer has it

Really?

Are the driveshafts that bad?

You'd think they were bullet proof as its a commercial vehicle that should be good for 200k+

 

[DavidofHook]

As an inveterate kerb hitter and careless/inaccurate driver my steering perodically goes out of line, producing similar symptoms. Perhaps not so violent. Basically kerb bashing which I admit is not good.
A slightly expensive visit to one of those specialist places where they check the steering alignment and wheel balance etc has worked for me in the past. ( I had the T4 then).
This can give uneven wear on the front tyres. Has this phenomenam had any effect on yours? Might be clue.


David

 

[Freeley]

I'd have thought you were doing well to have had a driveshaft that's lasted 37k!
Sounds strange I bet it's one of those things that never happens when the dealer has it

Really?

Are the driveshafts that bad?

You'd think they were bullet proof as its a commercial vehicle that should be good for 200k+

Apart from my cali which has only done 14000 miles and has been fine, both my transporters have had driveshafts replaced, my current 61 plate was done at 2 years old and 35000 miles

 

[Tangle Foot]

Was indeed a driveshaft (n/s)

 

[Freeley]

Glad they found the problem.
£600 ish?

 

[Tangle Foot]

Would've been.

VW coughed for the part and the dealer fitted for free....

=result!

Just hope the other one doesn't go now?!

 

[CaliB]

Anyone know why the driveshaft wears on one side only? I have a O/s/f inner cv joint & stub axle with excessive wear at 43,000 miles and don't understand why?

 

[briwy]

Possibly the driveshafts are not equal in length which could put extra stress on the cv joints when turning.

 

[AlanC]

I have had our O/S shaft changed last month. Had been intermittently clicking or well over a year. Was told that early shafts were weak and an upgraded version is now fitted.

This is for a DSG so had to be the complete shaft apparently. £770 was the best price for the whole shaft I found.

My local independent garage couldn't source the part so went to the dealer.
The N/S one needs to be done too, but is not urgent yet. That will have to wait.

Alan

 

[CaliB]

Thanks again Alan! Think I will wait a while before changing...