Author Topic: Rear end "clunking" on highway (Read 5556 times)

jonz · « **on:** July 05, 2007, 03:08:30 pm »

Hello!

I have a 85 Jetta TD. It runs fantastic.

Recently, it hasn't been riding quite the same on the highway as it used to. At about 65mph it feels like read end is "clunking" I get a rhythmic thump thump thump. If i increase speed to 70 it seems to abate. This problem seems to be more noticable on smooth highway.

I just had all 4 struts replaced about 20k miles ago or so. The tires are in good shape with plenty of tread. I am planning on taking it in to have the tires balanced and rotated to rule that out in the next day or so.

Anyone have any ideas on things i should take a look at?

Thanks!
JZ

burn_your_money · « **Reply #1 on:** July 05, 2007, 06:02:34 pm »

Look at the bushings on the rear beam, they rot out occasionally.

Are you running stock wheels?

jtanguay · « **Reply #2 on:** July 05, 2007, 11:38:44 pm »

i had an old '87 golf with the same problem. oddly enough new rear shocks cured the problem.

i would suspect alignment/balance to be your issue. Never touched the bushings on the old golf though, but that may be your problem.

jonz · « **Reply #3 on:** July 06, 2007, 04:33:54 pm »

Thanks for the replies guys!

I still havent been able to get the tires balanced and rotated. The more i drive it the more it feels liek it is something in the suspension moreso than the tire being out of balance.

These bushings you speak of, do you happen to have a part number? Is replacing these a big project, or something that is fairly simple? Should they have been replaced when the struts were done?

Yes i am running the stock wheels. Minus one hubcap that decided it wanted to race me on the highway. I heard it, then saw it rolling next to me at 70mph for a few minutes before it went flying into the center median, never to be seen again =(

Thanks for the help!!!

JZ

subsonic · « **Reply #4 on:** July 06, 2007, 06:35:25 pm »

You could start with the simple first. Do you have a blown or frozen shock? Blown may leak oil or be covered in oil soaked dirt. Ride will be absolute sheee-it. Frozen shock will bounce you all over. ride is the same as above.

jtanguay · « **Reply #5 on:** July 07, 2007, 01:05:36 am »

the bushings aren't too difficult, just tricky and maybe time consuming for the beginner. having the right tool to do it can make it a 'snap in' job though :lol:

about the shocks... he said he had all 4 struts replaced (hope there is shocks, and not struts in the back though... j/k :lol: ) so unless there was some defective parts, they should be ok after 20k.

subsonic · « **Reply #6 on:** July 07, 2007, 06:05:13 pm »

oh yeah, well umm, never mind.

clbanman · « **Reply #7 on:** July 08, 2007, 08:06:09 am »

I replaced my rear shocks 1500 km ago, and one is blown out already.

Doug · « **Reply #8 on:** July 08, 2007, 10:50:13 am »

I have heard a clunking like the one you describe when a wheel lug nut is loose. Also you might want to check your rear wheel bearing adjustment. There is a nut and retainer with a cotter pin that can be used to take up the excess clearance.

jonz · « **Reply #9 on:** July 08, 2007, 05:45:29 pm »

Well, after peeking under the car, the rear drivers side shock is shot. It is coated with oil.

Went to the place that installed them, and they are going to replace both for me... No cost on parts, but i have to pay labor to have them installed. I was a bit pissed at first, but the shocks were installed correctly, so I suppose i can pay them.

JZ

jtanguay · « **Reply #10 on:** July 09, 2007, 12:50:00 pm »

hmmm installing rear shocks is so damn easy... why not get the parts from them and do it yourself???

burn_your_money · « **Reply #11 on:** July 09, 2007, 12:55:17 pm »

It's even easier if they were just changed because that means no rusty bolts

Being a Jetta it's more of a PITA though

jonz · « **Reply #12 on:** July 18, 2007, 03:58:03 pm »

$90 to change them both.... My time is worth more than that, as since i have not done it before it would have taken me at least a couple hours. Would rather spend it with the kids!

burn_your_money · « **Reply #13 on:** July 18, 2007, 07:39:29 pm »

Quote from: "jonz"

Would rather spend it with the kids!

Nothing wrong with teaching the kids the art of working on an old car

Good call, it's nice to hear when people have their priorities straight

subsonic · « **Reply #14 on:** July 19, 2007, 10:20:53 am »

Sure, kids love to watch Dad work on the car. Where do you think they learn all those nice colorful expressions? X#!@--Ouch!! POS!! This is why you should buy a new car!! :lol: :lol:

Author Topic: Rear end "clunking" on highway (Read 5556 times)

Doug