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VW GTI (All styles)

1613 messages,  Last post on Nov 01, 2012 at 8:02 PM

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What is this discussion about? Volkswagen GTI, Coupe, Hatchback

Messages Page 95 of 162

#936 of 1613 re: 97 GTI by lngtonge18

Feb 06, 2005 (1:58 am)

Did the dealer provide you with an estimate for the repairs and did he specify why the CV axles and control arm brackets (do you mean the contorl arm bushings?) needed to be replaced? If he did and you signed off on the repair, I'm afraid there is nothing you can do. If he didn't, you can threaten him with a lawyer for doing repairs you didn't ask for and they will probably freak and either refund you some money to calm you down or find the true problem and fix it for free. You could potentially go for an entire refund if you wanted to take it as far as court. I personally would be raising hell over them doing all these repairs and then it not fix the problem you took it in for. I think at least a partial refund is called for, unless you willingly signed off on all repairs and they have legit reasons for replacing what they did. Seems to me they were just guessing at what could be wrong and replacing parts at random, rather then actually looking for the problem, and laughing all the way to the bank with lots of your money in hand. Let this be a lesson to you that when repairs get this expensive, you need to get a second opinion and you should also never use a dealer for these kind of out of warranty repairs as they are always extremely expensive.
 
With the age of your car and knowing that VW shocks are notorious for not lasting long, I would say it was reasonable for the dealer to assume changing the struts would fix the problem (you probably needed them anyway and I'm sure the car's handling feels a bit tighter). But why they replaced both CV axles and messed with the control arms is beyond me. CV axles can last a long time as long as the rubber boots are intact. I find it hard to believe all 4 boots were ripped open, thus requiring both axles to be replaced. I have an 84 GTI with over 200k miles and still have the original left CV axle, not to mention all the original bushings. And I don't hear any clunking (knock on wood).
 
I'm not totally clear on when your clunking occurs. Can it be heard only when you park? Does it occur anytime you park or only when entering a raised or uneven surface? Do you ever hear it during u-turns or over bumps? A common source of clunking is the strut bearing. This should have been replaced when they did the struts. If they didn't, then this could be your problem, but they tend to clunk over bumps and turns. Other possibilities are the sway bar bushings, sway bar links, control arm bushings, and ball joints. However, these would all cause a loose feeling in the handling and the noise should be heard over bumps and while making turns. Without hearing the noise and seeing what situations make it occur, its hard to say for sure, but I will mention one problem that is often overlooked. It could simply be a loose brake pad. If you are missing the clips that hold the brake pads securely in place or they are installed wrong, the pad will be able to move slightly back and forth. It will be heard as a loud clunk as you back up and then you will hear another one after you stop and move forward. Usually the noise is only heard when moving in and out of parking spots. Both my 84 GTI and 2003 Suzuki Aerio had this problem. In my GTI's case, it was a clip missing, and then later on, the calipers were worn out.
 
At any rate, good luck. I hope this info is useful for you. Let us know if you find out the real problem and whether you get anywhere with getting a refund.

#937 of 1613 GTi 1.8T gas mileage by 204meca

Feb 08, 2005 (9:55 pm)

I expect to buy a hatch in the next year to replace a 92 Civic Si. Looking for something that will be comfortable, sporty (doesn't need to be pocket rocket)& get good gas mileage.
 
We have a 04 Audi A4 1.8T CVT that we are very happy with it; especially with the amazing 27-29 mgp in mixed driving & 34-37 mpg on the highway (no lead foots in family).
 
With that experience, the 02-04 GTi is on my hatch short list. What kind of mileage are you 1.8T GTi owners getting (please include your driving style and whether you have AT or 5 spd manual)? Thanks!

#938 of 1613 Re: GTi 1.8T gas mileage [204meca] by wetwillie

Feb 09, 2005 (7:07 am)

Replying to: 204meca (Feb 08, 2005 9:55 pm)
I have a '00 Golf GLS 4-dr, 1.8T, 5-spd. I drive fairly aggressively in mostly city driving. I've increased the boost slightly as well and avg. 24 MPG in the winter, 25 MPG with summer driving.

#939 of 1613 Re: coming back??? [gejo] by hugh1

Feb 12, 2005 (3:44 pm)

Replying to: gejo (Jan 20, 2005 7:06 pm)
dear gejo:
Were your problems exclusive to the 1.8T or did you hear of them in VR6s too? Does Brazil vs Mexico assembly matter? Was told by VW sls mgr that Jetta VR6 and GTI VR6 are two different animals...anyone care to comment? Drove a Honda Civic SI but it just doesn't cut it...132ftlb torque 5k vs almost 200 3200 is the reason why, plus a 4cyl vs 6cyl...apples & oranges. Someone tell me some GTI VR6 success stories please !!!

#940 of 1613 '85 GTI stalling by lori3

Mar 03, 2005 (10:45 am)

Hello,
I have an '85 GTI that started to buck or jump like the engine was not getting power in 1st and 2nd gears. This problem started gradually until it has got so severe I can not drive the car now. The engine runs great in neutral and reverse. Has anyone ran across this problem before or have any suggestions as to what it might be?

#941 of 1613 Re:85 GTI stalling [lori3] by 600kgolfgt

Mar 04, 2005 (11:39 am)

How many miles are on your car? When was the last time the clutch was replaced?

#942 of 1613 GTI gas mileage by jcu1886

Mar 12, 2005 (11:42 am)

I have a 2003 GTI 5-speed. Fairly aggressive driving, all city, yields me 20 mpg. On trips, however, 34-35 is not usual even at speeds of 70-75 most of the time (interstates).
 
Cleveland, OH

#943 of 1613 Shifting the GTI by timdemio

Mar 21, 2005 (1:15 pm)

I recently acquired a GTI VR6 and noticed that shifting the GTI has a different feel from shifting the Passat V6 5-speed. The Passat 5-gear shift is very smooth, but shifting the 6-gear GTI feels like loading a bolt action rifle. Could anyone that has experience with both cars share his/her opinion? Thank you.

#944 of 1613 Re:85 GTI stalling [600kgolfgt] by lori3

Mar 22, 2005 (9:08 pm)

Replying to: 600kgolfgt (Mar 04, 2005 11:39 am)
Hello,
 
The odometer says 85,000 which is what it said when I bought car used in 1994 and the first 4yrs I drove approx 100 frwy miles a day. Also a couple CA. to AZ. trips. Two yrs ago on trip to AZ the at 85mph the car jumped out of 5th gear the rpms reved no power shifted to 4th gear fine shift back to 5th did it again. Lost 5th and had the clutch repaired and 5th gear back. When the car starts to stall it makes a low gutter growl as it dies, seems like it's getting flood or no gas. Not sure what. The car has sat now for a 1yr and I started it the other day no problems give it gas in neutral engine sounds strong but can't drive it. help

#945 of 1613 Re:85 GTI stalling [lori3] by 600kgolfgt

Mar 25, 2005 (6:42 am)

Replying to: lori3 (Mar 22, 2005 9:08 pm)
I would have them check the fuel distributor for a little fuel filter that the factory installed to catch any particles in the fuel line during the car's manufacturing process. If the filter is there, it should be removed because it's no longer needed after the first 3000 miles.
 
I had the same thing happen to me when I had my 1987 GTI. All of a sudden the car started to stall and lose power.
 
If that doesn't solve the problem, the other possibility is the transfer pump inside the fuel tank. 1985-1987 VWs with the CIS Fuel Injection came with two fuel pumps - an internal (transfer) pump (attached to the fuel level sending unit) which draws the fuel from the gas tank and sends it to the main (high-pressure) pump located under the driver's side rear wheel well.
 
NOTE: The main pump should last at least 250,000 miles or more - so that should rule out the main pump as the cause - unless you're hearing strange groaning sounds from the rear wheel well.

Messages Page 95 of 162

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