goguvarraHello,
I have a MK3 Golf VR6 Syncro. I also posted here http://www.vwsyncro.co.uk/data/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3120 so probably these symptoms will stop once the rear diff will be checked but I was curious as to what might make this awful sounds.
1) The problem is that when I put the car in reverse and I TURN the wheel, so not when driving in a straight line, I can hear a little thudding sound which I understand is normal and means that the freewheel has engaged but if I start going a bit faster (about 10-15 kmh) sometimes an awful loud bang can be heard. First time I heard it a thought I broke something in half.
This only happens when driving in a curve with the wheels turned and not in a straight line. Also the small thud from the freewheel can usually only be heard also when i’m with the wheels turned. When I drive straight I cannot seem to produce it. IS this normal ?
2) Second thing when in reverse and I release the clutch faster some clunking sounds can be heard in the whole transmission. So only when I release the clutch without putting my foot in the throttle, if I give it a bit of gas along with the clutch so as not to put shocks in the transmission everything is ok. Could these be because there is a bit of play developed along the year in the driveshaft and bushings ?
3) I’ve read here http://www.vwsyncro.co.uk/data/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3048 about these guys that replace the VC fluid. My car has about 230 000km on it. Should I send my VC to these guys for a refill ? How much is the fluid guaranteed to keep its properties ? Should I worry about this ? I’ve read that if the fluid gets bad and keep the VC locked too much this may lead to trans windup and possibly breaking somethings for good.
Sorry for the long post, these questions been bugging me since the day I bought the car.
Best,
Mihai
Chris SIt sounds like your freewheel lock is not engaging/disengaging properly, the problem is with either the rear diff or the electro/vacuum control, or both.
Its very unlikely to be your VC unit causing this.
As for the other clunks & rattles when in reverse, while there is very likely to be wear in the drivetrain, I would check your engine/gearbox mountings first as you don’t say this happens during normal(forwards) driving.
goguvarraWell a friend mechanic who knows a thing or 2 about Syncros says he checked the control that actuates the vacuum and that there is current feeding into it. All 3 engine mounts are brand new and aftermarket parts better than the stock ones. It also does all the clunking more often than not in reverse, I don’t remember if it also does it when in forward motion.
So this freewheel works only when in reverse or does it also work when going forward but in the other direction ? I never really understood why it is needed.
What about the VC, should I consider sending it for a fluid replacement anyway ?
Thanks.
Chris She checked the control that actuates the vacuum and that there is current feeding into it.
is there vacuum feeding to it as well?
I would not bother vith the VC until you have found the problem
goguvarrai’ll look into it. Thanks