Birchall
Dick Chown Award 2016
I noticed a strange "thumping" noise from the nearside front wheel when going reasonably quickly around a roundabout.
It was a strange noise, just a thump every revolution of the wheel.
I think I have figured out what the cause is. I have ultra low profile tyres on the car 35 section 18"s (Very skinny, a bit like elastic bands!!)
That is not the cause but I also have flush fitting tyre valveson them. The vale therefore is inside the wheel rather than outside it. so it extends an inch or so inside the wheel. on harsh cornering the weight is all on the wheel and the side wall flexes a little (only a little because of the skinny side wall) but that is enough for th vale to hit the inside of the compressed tyre!!!
A strange problem, but understandable.
That is not that serious a fault and is easily fixed by fitting stubby external valves (standard ones would stick out too much)
The problem is that while the car was up in the air, my mate (a very experienced tyre specialist) had a good look around the car. He spotted a few expensive issues!!!
The front nearside CV joint was worn (not the source of the noise, just a coincidence)
The rear spring has snapped (no symptoms noticed !!!)
The suspension bushed in the rear axle need replacing (that would also explain why tyres catch slightly on some corners sometimes on the outer arch and sometimes on the inner tub (I thought it was only on the inner until it was inspected.
The gearbox is leaking.
The turbo appears to be leaking oil (hopefully not a sign that it needs replacing!!)
So a costly list!
It has probably forced my arm over one thing, that is the rear disc conversion, while the rear end is stripped down for the work I might s well do the conversion any way!!
I will post a wanted advert for a FSI or TDI 90 rear axle complete.
I won't be uprating the suspension in any way, I will use standard Sport springs (new OEM) and shocks. The reason being that the Sport is giving me exactly the right combination of firm and controlled ride.
I just wish I had the money left to be able to afford this, but I haven't so a bit of financial engineering is called for!!!!
Steve B
It was a strange noise, just a thump every revolution of the wheel.
I think I have figured out what the cause is. I have ultra low profile tyres on the car 35 section 18"s (Very skinny, a bit like elastic bands!!)
That is not the cause but I also have flush fitting tyre valveson them. The vale therefore is inside the wheel rather than outside it. so it extends an inch or so inside the wheel. on harsh cornering the weight is all on the wheel and the side wall flexes a little (only a little because of the skinny side wall) but that is enough for th vale to hit the inside of the compressed tyre!!!
A strange problem, but understandable.
That is not that serious a fault and is easily fixed by fitting stubby external valves (standard ones would stick out too much)
The problem is that while the car was up in the air, my mate (a very experienced tyre specialist) had a good look around the car. He spotted a few expensive issues!!!
The front nearside CV joint was worn (not the source of the noise, just a coincidence)
The rear spring has snapped (no symptoms noticed !!!)
The suspension bushed in the rear axle need replacing (that would also explain why tyres catch slightly on some corners sometimes on the outer arch and sometimes on the inner tub (I thought it was only on the inner until it was inspected.
The gearbox is leaking.
The turbo appears to be leaking oil (hopefully not a sign that it needs replacing!!)
So a costly list!
It has probably forced my arm over one thing, that is the rear disc conversion, while the rear end is stripped down for the work I might s well do the conversion any way!!
I will post a wanted advert for a FSI or TDI 90 rear axle complete.
I won't be uprating the suspension in any way, I will use standard Sport springs (new OEM) and shocks. The reason being that the Sport is giving me exactly the right combination of firm and controlled ride.
I just wish I had the money left to be able to afford this, but I haven't so a bit of financial engineering is called for!!!!
Steve B
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