This relates to a 2008 1.4 tdi Polo Match. I have a clunking noise from the rear which I have not managed to locate. It sounds suspension related and is a deep, either metal to metal or plastic to metal type sound. The car's been into the dealer twice, on the second occasion I was told that the noise was coming from the front bushes not the rear so had them replaced. Guess what, noise still there, They checked out the rear shocks and bushes and said they're all ok.

I've checked the wheel bearings, they seem fine, there's no movement on the exhaust system, I've tried removing the spare wheel and wooden piece on boot carpet, checked for anything underneath the car that might move, as well as the rear seats and fixings. I suspected the top shock absorber mountings, so took them out earlier, all seemed ok, there was a small amount of lateral movement between the threaded top section of the shock absorber arm and the metal tube in the mounting rubber, I put in a small ally shim and retightened the nut really tight, as well as the bottom shoker nut, and still the same noise.

It is a lot more noticeable when it's warm, on a cold morning it's not really there. ( rubber bushes?, though it's clunking not squeaking )

I suspect it's suspension related as with 4 people in the car it goes away all together. Yet jumping on the rear of the car, rocking it from side to side or up and down will not reproduce the sound.

I've really run out of laces to look, and don't really want to start replacing things like the shockers and mounts just as a process of illumination.

I'd be really grateful for any suggestions.....Thanks...Pete

perhaps it is the top mounts in the rear struts that are worn. with 4 people the car might sit low enough to compress them again. not really that familure with more morden models

Welcome to the Forum.

It's a pity that you are unable to replicate the problem by bouncing, rocking etc the rear of the car. If you could, then you might consider disconnecting the S/As one at a time and have another go at bouncing/rocking.

If you can get the problem to happen with just one rear seat passenger, you might try asking them to put their hand on the wheel arch as you drive along - if you then get the noise, they may be able to feel it.

As you don't get this problem with a full load, it sounds as if you are on the right track by suspecting the suspension.

I'm just a little concerned when you say that there is NO movement in the exhaust system, this is unusual, as it is flexibly mounted and there is normally a small amount of movement in it - Might just be worth another check.

Regards.

thanks both for your replies.

Last comment first, sorry I meant by no movement in the exhaust system, that there's nothing hitting or banging the exhaust system when it's moved, it's quite easy to swing it about on the rubber hangers, all of which are in good condition. I described it badly!

I managed to replicate the noise today, by lifting the rear of the car, rather than pressing it down. it definitely makes the noise on the upstroke, which would I guess, explain why when the car's loaded it doesn't make the noise., so my job for tomorrow was to remove the shock absorbers and see if the noise goes away doing the same movement

I took both shocks off yesterday, and there was no up and down movement at all in the top mounts, just some lateral play between the threaded portion on the top of the strut and the inner of the metal tube within the rubber mount, which really went away when the top nut was really tightened.

Good ides about touching the wheel arch, I'll give it a go, it does appear with one rear passenger, who thought when we did a test that it was on the offside.

Unfortunately I live on a steep hill so it's not easy working on the car at home if it involves jacking it up!

I hope it does turn out to be the mounts, which I can source for about £12 each,and £20 each for news shocks. and a five minute job!

Thanks again for the replies, greatly appreciated.

cheers...Pete

Parked on the flat without the handbrake earlier and lifted the rear of the car up and down with a resulting loud clunking sound. Removed the offside shock absorber, and repeated the test, this time, no noise at all, so presuming it's either the shook or the mount, perhaps even just wear in the bottom eye, through which the retaining bolt fits quite loosely.

Anyway, bought a new pair of shocks from Eurocarparts, and mounts from Ebay which should come in a couple of days. Hope I've not wasted £60!...watch this space....