Front end clunk after new sway bar end links

[CJMRS3]

I never had any noise up front before now. Car is stock other than rear sway bar and new end links all around.

After installing the 034motorsport adjustable front end links (034-402-4002), I now have clunking noises when going over bumps.

Also, when turning the steering wheel full lock side to side, I'll get that same clunk noise at full lock on one side, and then again when I go full lock to the other side.

Any ideas what that could be? Front sway bar bushings? Bad end links?

[bakedziti]

Are your jam nuts tight against the body of the link?

That 034 part number links out to adjustable toe links however and not end links.

[CJMRS3]

Odd, it's coming up as "Sway Bar End Link Pair, Motorsport, Front, Adjustable, Volkswagen & Audi PQ35, MQB, and MQB EVO" when I search that product code.

Yes, I did tighten the locking nuts against the end link body. Car was on the ground to ensure the sway bar was preloaded. About to change over to my winters, so I'll be able to confirm they're still tight and investigate things further.

[NapalmEnema]

I had issues with this before on a different vehicle -

Question -

Did you tighten things up with the suspension loaded, or unloaded?

If you did it unloaded, where the wheels and such are hanging loose, that may be your issue. Try putting it up on Ramps instead then re-tightening things and see if noise persists. Sway bars and endlinks need loaded suspension loaded I believe for best results.

[b1aZe]

I also have these endlinks and also have clunking in the front. Considering going back to OEM just for science.

[CJMRS3]

I had issues with this before on a different vehicle -

Question -

Did you tighten things up with the suspension loaded, or unloaded?

If you did it unloaded, where the wheels and such are hanging loose, that may be your issue. Try putting it up on Ramps instead then re-tightening things and see if noise persists. Sway bars and endlinks need loaded suspension loaded I believe for best results.

I did have the suspension loaded when I tightened everything up.

I suppose it could be something else and it's just a coincidence that I've recently changed the end links.

But as far as it clunking when going lock to lock at the end of steering each way, does that sound like something? What would be causing that noise under that scenario?

- - - Updated - - -

I also have these endlinks and also have clunking in the front. Considering going back to OEM just for science.

Not a bad idea. I might try same and see what happens.

[amusegt1]

The top of the endlink (bolt) could be hitting against the frame at full lock if it's incorrectly installed (wrong position). Check for scrape marks.

[Jeff_Jeske]

The nuts that tighten on the endlinks need to be very tight. If they aren't you will hear a tapping sound that you will think is the bar making contact with the frame. It's amazing how such a small thing can make a massive amount of noise! Both ends should be checked. The one to the shock tab and the one to the sway bar.

[CJMRS3]

Thanks for those ideas. I confirmed installed correctly, no scrape marks, they were torqued to spec when installed and still click at that spec torque - unless you are suggesting that they need to be torqued beyond that 034 manual says?

I'm noticing that it seems to be cold weather dependant - it was a warmer day here yesterday and after the car warmed up driving it around, the clunking noise side to side was gone.

It could be unrelated, but when pulling away and the wheels are full lock in one direction (does not matter the direction), the car does not proceed smoothly - hard to describe, but it feels like it's jumping or binding. Any ideas on what might be causing that? I'm tempted to just jack up the front and inspect everything from the axles back.

[TwistRate]

If all you did up front is replace the endlink on the stock swaybar then 9/10 chance that is the source of the noise. Grab the endlink and pull it back and forth. If there is any movement it will need to be tightened.

Out of curiosity, How did you set the length of the endlink? Did you mate it to the stock length? It might be helpful to post some pictures of your install.

[CJMRS3]

I'll check that and toss up some pics. Yes, I set the new links to the length of the stock ones I removed.