Thud, Bang, Clunk- Suspension Question

[Tesla]

Originally Posted by DZLBUG

If you don't want banging, clunking and thudding...DON'T get poly bushings. Stock is best.

With the use of the wagon spring in the rear, you are likely topping out the rear shocks, which will cause the symptoms you describe. The Jetta wagon is very rear end heavy. A New Beetle is very light in the rear, so when you use a wagon spring in the back of your NB it sits even higher. Jetta wagons use a longer shock from the factory. The only aftermarket shock that comes in a longer version for the wagon are Koni Reds. That is the shock I used on my car, and I only used regular VR6 Jetta sedan springs which are not as stiff/tall as the wagon springs.

Well... I used to have poly front sway bar bushings and links as well and I gotta tell you that beside being very very stiff there was no clonking at all. They were transferring a lot of vibrations so I ended up replacing it with stock ones. It's my daily ride through Toronto down town so you understand why.
Poly bushings will hold tight and stiff but for a daily ride it's just too much.

[Palmettoguy]

Thanks for all the info and help.
I just ordered stock control arm bushings, rear bushings, and sway bar bushings.
I also ordered a set of Koni "Special" Red shocks
Hopefully all the above will provide a smooth, quite ride.

Now I just have to sell my Bilstein TC shocks{less that 150 miles on them}...thinking 100 bucks shipped

[Tesla]

Make sure you have brand new front upper strut mounts and bearings!

[Palmettoguy]

Originally Posted by Tesla

Make sure you have brand new front upper strut mounts and bearings!

I replaced the front upper strut mounts and bearing when I installed the new struts...about a week and a half ago

I'm hoping it's gonna float like a cloud when I get done installing everything...

[Palmettoguy]

Just to update this thread.
I installed the Koni Reds and the sounds went away. The shocks were topping out like DZL said.
Thanks again everyone for your responses.

[DZLBUG]

Do I get a cookie?

[Tesla]

GREAT!
I know how good it feels

..oh.. can I get a cookie too?

[Palmettoguy]

Originally Posted by DZLBUG

Do I get a cookie?

I would've presented you a whole cookie if not for the fact that you said that you used the lowest {softest} factory setting on the Koni Reds.
God lord man, that is a bouncy ride, lol.
I'm going to have to adjust the rears to where they are somewhat compariable to the front Bilstein TCs to smooth out the ride...

Originally Posted by Tesla

GREAT!
I know how good it feels

..oh.. can I get a cookie too?

You, Sir, may have a cookie.

[Wheatridger]

I've put metalnerd lift kits in two A4 TDIs now. In both, I noticed an increase in perceived noise from sharp road impacts. I attribute that to adding another piece to the column that absorbs the vertical movement. I'm only guessing, though. Lifting the car was essential to safe operation on local roads, here in Colorado at least. With a one-inch lift, my Beetle looks and feels just right. There's an equal gap between fender and tire all around, which pleases my eye more than some droopy-assed dropped bug, sagging over its wheels. IMHO, of course.