2009 VW Passat suspension noise

almostover

Strange get rattle coming from the front drivers side of my 09 Passat 2.0tdi. Like bolts rattling around....not heavy and clunky Happening with 8 weeks or so and has got louder. Also with the last week there is some brake shudder. Disc and pads were changed last Oct at front and last June at rear. I checked them and they're fine. Pads have plenty of meat left and discs are nice and flat. Shocks and top mounts were changed just before Xmas. Anti-roll bar drop links done last summer also. I'm almost certain the anti-roll bar bushings are gone. Would this cause brake shudder too if very worn?

Anyway my strategy was to replace the ARB bushings regardless and see if it solves the issue. However an internet search shows I have to buy the bar and the bushings as a set and can't get just the bushings. Seems like madness. Anyone have experience with a similar issue or know if just the front bushings can be bought?

almostover

Also checked the brake caliper slide pins to see if this is causing the rattling and shudder but they are perfect.

mad-for-tar

almostover wrote: »

However an internet search shows I have to buy the bar and the bushings as a set and can't get just the bushings. Seems like madness. Anyone have experience with a similar issue or know if just the front bushings can be bought?

This (click) should answer that question. You'll need to translate from Russian.
I done this on one late last year and had no issues after. It's a bit of a PITA to remove the brackets in situ but can be done. 2 of the captive nuts are relatively easy to get to but the other 2 are tricky enough. Had to put a small chamfer on the leading edge of the rubber parts that accept the roll bar to get to fit correctly. Parts I used were Febi 38051 and 38052 for the lower and upper halves respectively, you'll need 2 of each.
It's certainly a massive saving on a whole assembly for sure, just need to find someone who can do it for you if you can't DIY.

Hope it helps!

almostover

mad-for-tar wrote: »

This (click) should answer that question. You'll need to translate from Russian.
I done this on one late last year and had no issues after. It's a bit of a PITA to remove the brackets in situ but can be done. 2 of the captive nuts are relatively easy to get to but the other 2 are tricky enough. Had to put a small chamfer on the leading edge of the rubber parts that accept the roll bar to get to fit correctly. Parts I used were Febi 38051 and 38052 for the lower and upper halves respectively, you'll need 2 of each.
It's certainly a massive saving on a whole assembly for sure, just need to find someone who can do it for you if you can't DIY.

Hope it helps!

Great link, thank you. Going to order the parts and give it a shot at the weekend. I've done plenty of bushings in the past. Only have axle stands which makes it a little awkward but I can get by.

almostover

almostover wrote: »

Great link, thank you. Going to order the parts and give it a shot at the weekend. I've done plenty of bushings in the past. Only have axle stands which makes it a little awkward but I can get by.

Would installing a poly bush like this one be better than the febi part?
http://www.strongflexuk.co.uk/volkswagen/passat/b6-05-10/front-anti-roll-bar-bush.html#.Wns0n3PLc0M

almostover

Changed the ARB bushings but it didn't cure the rattle. All other suspension bushings look fine. Can't understand what's causing this rattle. Car also rattles under load - maybe its a CV joint?

almostover

Anyone have any ideas on this? Brake shudder present too but I've checked the brakes and they're fine. Replaced the discs and pads last summer only.