You are not alone! I have the same issue, i feel like i'm driving model T or something.

I think control arms could cause this, as could ball joints/bushings wearing out!

I am lowering with bilsteins and h&r's this week, I will let you know what I find out. I suspect in your and my case, a bushing or bearing has failed!

Joe III

 

I have the same thing...my mechanic said it was the upper control arm on the front passenger side. No safety issue, but it does need to be replaced eventually.

 

There was much discussion about this exact thing (and I suffer from similar noises as well), and the conclusion seemed to be that the older B5s ('98, '99, and maybe early '00, though I'm unsure) have the old-style sway bar links, that eventually wear down and cause this horrific rattling sound. I find it to be very unnerving, but I'm guessing that they just need to be replaced. I believe ECS tuning has newer ones that are better, and won't wear down to the point of rattling like this...

Do a search for anything with "sway bar end links" (just "links" might work), and you should find tons of information.

 

It could also be a simple little matter. I have a simular sound, but mine is that the upper spring plates that hold the spring onto the front strut (once the nut is threaded on). The issue is that the nut may not be tightened down all the way and the clanking sound is coming from there. It happens way too often! :roll: And it makes a nasty sound. Mine are so bad that I had to order two new spring plates because the once round holes are now oblong shaped! :suspicio: Two new plates are on there way to me. www.impex.com had them for $18.75 each. :bow:

 

Two new plates are on there way to me. www.impex.com had them for $18.75 each. :bow:

Actually, Impex's address is www.vwparts.com....

Joe

 

Errrr... Thanks, sorry. He's right. :crazy:

 

Since you JUST had new suspsension installed last week, it's most likely the retaining nut, as Chas pointed out. I had the same clunking noise when going over bumps at low speed because I dind't tighten the nut enough. Took the spring/strut off the car, tightened the the nut down, and the noise went away.

 

Thanks alot huys :bow:

 

Suspension? It is messed up because you need new wheels. I think some RS4 rims would look good. :wink: :wink:

 

Chas, did you get the "aluminum" plates? Heck, I would of sent you my steel ones for free!

i got the aluminum plates awhile back; $50 for both. Saved a grand total of 3lbs. :roll: I had time to kill so I figured why not.