URGENT help needed - CV joints and Driveshaft - VW

[mercdriver25]

Hi guys,

Apologies, but this is not about my Merc!! More intelligent people on here rather than the vw/Audi forums, hence posting here...

Wanted some advice. I bought a mark v VW Golf 2.0 GT TDI about 6 months ago. All running fine, FSH, nice to drive etc.

Recenty some very loud cluncking/knocking noice started coming from front. It's mainly on moving off and accelerating, and is much worse when turning slowly in either direction. Sounds like something is about to give way/crack! Funnily enough, it only occurs when the car is in gear, rather than in neutral/clutched...

Anyway, shown it to a few indies, who have all said that the front CV joints are gone (grease leaking out of one, and other one is torn and loose). One indie has also said that the driveshafts have gone, and need replacing. One even said the gearbox is on its way out!!!

I'm not too technical, but could see that the rubber fitments on the CV joints were both torn and could see the grease leaking out, so i do believe they need replacing. But do these symptoms sound consistent with only CV joint problem? What about driveshafts? How would I know if this is gone too?? Is someone trying to make money from me?!!

The gears seem to change ok, and car drives well. So not sure why that one guy said the gearbox was on its last legs- can someone explain?

I really appreciate any help you guys. Havent bothered posting on Vw as the people on here are very knowledgable!!!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ricardo_e220]

Sounds like knackered cv joints if its happening when you turn. The boots are normally filled with grease and if the boot splits will come out and I suppose could seize, dunno why if you have one that is split someone would suggest a buff gearbox....as that doesn't know when you are turning... Drive shaft comment might be as they don't change the cv joints and just stick a whole unit in.

Have a look on www.uk-mkivs.net I used to use that ( if its a mk4) but that was years ago tbh

 

[Gary Hanson]

Sounds like worn outer CV joints to me. Inner joints tend to last a lot longer anyway.

Replacement joints are relatively cheap these days, assuming they are available without having to buy a complete shaft.

A short term fix for worn CV joints may be to just replace the rubber boots and the grease (quite labour intensive in itself), but it will only delay the inevitable, which is that the joint will eventually break apart, resulting in loss of drive.

 

[Alps]

CV joints are common failure on thes Mk4, i ended up buying a 2nd hand complete shaft and joint for my dads old car as it wasnt cheap for a new one