Rapid thumping from 01 beetle

[spockmeat]

My wifes 01 Turbo beetle started making this thumping during launch. When you launch the car(esp when cold) you can hear a loud rapid(2-3 second) thumping coming from directly under the center console area(i can feel it very easily in the armrest).

The only other time it does it is during a downshift or something.

Does this sound like an exhaust hanger or a motor mount and if a motor mount any idea which to check? I dont have a jack so i need to take it to a service station i just want to make sure i have some idea whats going on/what to expect in the price area.

[D2Beetle]

Off the top of my head; check your CV joints. Mine does something similiar when I am slowing down. I will be replacing my passenger side drive axle at the end of the month, as the inner CV joint is bad.

[300exoh]

I would check the transmission mounts and motor mounts too...sounds like they are worn or broken

[IndyTom]

Could be something minor like worn out front sway bar bushings and endlinks. Mine where driving me crazy until I finally replaced them. Now no more noise up front.