Funky sound and wobble

[Raza]

A friend of mine has a 2002 Passat 1.8T with 80+k miles on it, and he's a little worried about some things.  It's his first car, and since I don't know that much mechanically, I'm not sure if there's something that needs to be looked at or not.  There's a funny sounding clunking noise when he comes to a stop; sounds like it's coming from the brakes, but it's only at the moment just before he comes to a stop.

Also, at idle, there's a slight vibration in the steering wheel.  I don't know what's causing that. 

He's going to take it in to a shop to have them look it over, I just want to make sure he knows what to look for and that he doesn't get screwed by the shop. 

[FoMoJo]

A friend of mine has a 2002 Passat 1.8T with 80+k miles on it, and he's a little worried about some things.  It's his first car, and since I don't know that much mechanically, I'm not sure if there's something that needs to be looked at or not.  There's a funny sounding clunking noise when he comes to a stop; sounds like it's coming from the brakes, but it's only at the moment just before he comes to a stop.

Automatic?  Could be that final downshift .

Also, at idle, there's a slight vibration in the steering wheel.  I don't know what's causing that. 

Could be it just needs a tune-up.  That may also acerbate the clunky downshift; it that's what the noise is.

He's going to take it in to a shop to have them look it over, I just want to make sure he knows what to look for and that he doesn't get screwed by the shop. 

[3.0L V6]

Wild guess: Motor mount failing?

It would explain the vibration in the steering wheel at idle and the clunk as he comes to a stop.

[Raza]

It's an automatic, but I'm not sure if it's the downshift to first.  If I get a chance I'll take it out again, but it also happened when he stopped, drove off, and stopped again almost immediately.  I don't think the trans changed gear, but I'll try it out in Tiptronic to see if that's the problem. 

My first thought was engine mount too. 

[Raza]

Just a thought, the vibration through the steering wheel is slight, and it's through the steering wheel only.  I thought an engine mount problem would result in a more violent shaking.

[S204STi]

Wild guess: Motor mount failing?

It would explain the vibration in the steering wheel at idle and the clunk as he comes to a stop.

Clever thinking.  I bet this is the case.

[JWC]

Motor mount doesn't have to mean complete fail.  Escorts had a terrible vibration at idle and in gear.  The mounts were not broken, but weak.  Ford issued modified parts to correct the problem.

[sportyaccordy]

Clunking during acceleration + stops usually comes from motor mounts, as does excessive vibration. I have a bad rear mount now and a replacement waiting, just don't feel like removing the intake manifold to get to it.

[Raza]

How much should this cost him to replace?

[AutobahnSHO]

Well Under $150 for some cars. Not sure about VW.