Clunking during deceleration, what to check first?

[lunari]

Hey everyone,

Was driving home last night and the Jetta started doing this clunking sound during deceleration, it also sometimes happens while turning. The sound goes away when you apply brakes or during acceleration. What should I check first? The car is a Mk3 2.0 5 speed.

Thank you,
Anthony

[ps2375]

CV boots and joints.

[lunari]

Anything I can check to be sure other than inspecting the boots for rips before replacing them?

[ps2375]

unless you want to remove the joint and clean and inspect for pitting and such, not much. I would determine which side it is and replace either the joint or the whole axle. As the prices could be fairly close.

[Scrubbs]

Motor mounts would be my first check. use a friend to help. Press hold the brakes, put in 1st gear and slowly let the clutch out, and see if the motor/ trans lift off the mount in the front, then try it with reverse, and check the 2 rear mounts. Dont run your friend over if the brakes slip.

[lunari]

Am going to look at the front axle boots today, I asked the guy who put my clutch in if there were any rips/tears and he said they were fine but he regreased them and put the boots back on before he put the axles back in the car. It is also becoming a rubbing sound and the steering wheel seems to have quite a bit more vibration than usual. Also the car is now pulling to the right slightly?

[ps2375]

Am going to look at the front axle boots today, I asked the guy who put my clutch in if there were any rips/tears and he said they were fine but he regreased them and put the boots back on before he put the axles back in the car. It is also becoming a rubbing sound and the steering wheel seems to have quite a bit more vibration than usual. Also the car is now pulling to the right slightly?

Which ones did he "regrease"? Inner or outer? Did you pay to have the clutch replaced? I would get the car up on jackstands and check all the inner CV bolts and the left ball joint to make sure all is tight. You may have other things going on, as you didn't mention any work having been done to the car. And to do the clutch, the axles are removed for that.

[lunari]

Turns out the wheel bolts weren't even hand tight. Fixed now.

[Scrubbs]

rule of thumb when putting on lugs, never put the lug on more thean 4 turns by hand. use the wrench or gun to set them the rest of the way. If they are loose you will know right away. not 20 miles down the road. Andd you really should never put a bolt on that your not torquing down, unless you mark it loose(for fitment). Safe habits.