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.
Quote from: Raza on August 20, 2009, 06:47:15 AM
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 :huh:.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Quote from: 3.0L V6 on August 20, 2009, 09:13:52 AM
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.
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.
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.
How much should this cost him to replace?
Well Under $150 for some cars. Not sure about VW.