Even if you are worried just by “not running straight” or “flowing from side to side”, but at the same time you hear a strange sound of “kotokoto-gigi-go”, you will be worried because you don’t know what is wrong.
In VW vehicles, as the undercarriage, steering system, and suspension system deteriorate, directional deviation and abnormal noise may occur at the same time. Even if it is difficult to notice with just one of them, there are cases where changes in sound and behavior overlap and become a sign of a serious problem.
In this article, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the causes of straight line failure and abnormal noise at the same time, the risk of neglect, and the estimated repair cost.
▼Driving problem diagnosis guide▼
👉Comprehensive summary of causes of poor runningunning
- Symptom summary
- There are four main causes (by structure)
- Cause (1): Bushes deteriorate and misdirection + crackling sound
- Cause (2): Hub bearing wear (gurgling sound when running + poor straight drive)
- Cause (3): Tie rod/rack end rattling (direction misalignment + rattling sound)
- Cause (4): Deterioration of the suspension (abnormal noise from shock mounts)
- Points that can be checked in DIY
- Is it okay to drive? (Urgency)
- Approximate repair cost
- Related parts to check at the same time
- Conclusion
- What to read next
- Defect details by vehicle type
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Symptom summary
- It flows from side to side without running straight
- Easy to get caught on the road surface, the center is not stable
- Abnormal noises such as clattering, gurgling, and squeaking are made at the same time.
- You can hear the sound more clearly at low speeds
- The sound becomes stronger when braking or on bumps
- Poor straightness and increased wobbling at high speeds
There are four main causes (by structure)
- Deterioration of undercarriage bushings and arms (straight-line failure + squeaking sound)
- Hub bearing wear (flowing in the direction of travel + gurgling)
- Tie rod rack end rattle (directional misalignment + rattling sound)
- Deterioration of the suspension system (abnormal noise on steps + wobbling)
Cause (1): Bushes deteriorate and misdirection + crackling sound
When does it happen?
- On the steps, “Kotokoto” and “Gissing”
- It’s easy to get caught in ruts
- The steering wheel center is restless
Why do I have that symptom?
If the lower arm bushing or stabilizer bush deteriorates,
the reference position of the arm cannot be maintained, making it difficult to go straight.
At the same time, the arm vibrates slightly at the part where the rubber is loose, making a clicking sound.
Since the suspension of VW cars is delicate, bushing deterioration strongly affects straightness.
What happens if left unattended?
- Deterioration of straight-line stability
- Uneven tire wear
- Bush breakage→ driving hazard
Cause (2): Hub bearing wear (gurgling sound when running + poor straight drive)
When does it happen?
- “Go” and “Warn” at 40 to 80 km/h
- Sound changes in curve direction
- The steering wheel is easily taken subtly
Why do I have that symptom?
Hub bearings are important parts that support tires. When
worn, the rotation does not go smoothly, and the car is slightly pulled, and the straightness is disturbed. The bearing on the
side under load squeals, causing abnormal noise and directional deviation at the same time.
What happens if left unattended?
- The sound gets louder and louder
- Increased driving resistance, deterioration of fuel efficiency
- Bearing sticking → not running
Cause (3): Tie rod/rack end rattling (direction misalignment + rattling sound)
When does it happen?
- I hear a “kotot” sound when I turn around
- Slow response to steering wheel operation
- It becomes difficult to drive straight
Why do I have that symptom?
The joint (tie rod) that transmits force from the steering wheel to the tire.
If there is a rattle here, the steering operation will not be transmitted directly, and the straightness will be unstable.
At the same time, every time the joint moves, a small rattling sound is made.
What happens if left unattended?
- The behavior is so disordered that you can’t go straight
- Risk of joint dislodging
- Uneven tire wear
Cause (4): Deterioration of the suspension (abnormal noise from shock mounts)
When does it happen?
- “Gishi” and “Bang” on the steps
- The car body is fluffy
- Weak sense of stability during cornering
Why do I have that symptom?
When shock absorbers and mounts deteriorate,
they cannot absorb shaking, making it easy to disturb posture and deteriorate straightness.
At the same time, extraneous noises may come from the gaps in the mounts.
What happens if left unattended?
- Unstable at high speed
- Increased braking distance
- The entire undercarriage wears out quickly
Points that can be checked in DIY
- Types of sounds on steps (kotokoto/gizzy/go)
- Which way the car will flow (check the left and right difference)
- Whether or not the tire is cut
- Handle Center Position
- Shake the tires when jacking up and whether there is a rattle (*Safety is the top priority)
- Hub bearing hum check (volume changes with speed)
*Straight failure with abnormal noise is highly dangerous, so self-judgment is prohibited.
Is it okay to drive? (Urgency)
- Can be driven for a while: Light undercarriage bush deterioration, mild noise
- Risk of worsening symptoms: Initial bearing wear and tie rod rattling
- Driving NG (towing recommended): Loud rattling / loud car flowing / severe hum of bearings
When a driving problem occurs, it may be necessary to tow the truck depending on the situation.
In these cases, it may be covered by road assistance or riders of automobile insurance, so it is safe to lightly review the contents of your current contract.
If you may not have a proper understanding of the coverage, you can use a comparison service to check the coverage details and premiums of multiple companies at once. Since you can get a complete picture in a short time, many people use it for repairs and inspections.
👉 Free Car Insurance Bulk Quote Service
Approximate repair cost
| Work Description | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Lower Arm Bushing Replacement | 20,000 to 45,000 yen |
| Stabilizer Bush Replacement | 10,000 to 20,000 yen |
| Hub Bearing Replacement | 25,000 to 45,000 yen |
| Tie Rod End Replacement | 15,000 to 30,000 yen |
| Shock Mount Replacement | 60,000 to 120,000 yen |
| Alignment Adjustment | 10,000 to 18,000 yen |
| Diagnosis fee | 5,000 to 10,000 yen |
You can scroll
*Abnormal noise + straight line defect is often a combination of multiple parts, and early inspection is the cheapest as a result.
👉Summary of maintenance and custom costs & working days of VW specialty store Nile Plus
Related parts to check at the same time
- Lower Arm Bushing
- Tie Rod (Rack End)
- Hub Bearings
- Stabilize Link
- Shock mount
- Alignment angle (especially toe angle)
- Tire condition and loss
▼List of individual pages about undercarriage repair and maintenance▼
Conclusion
If you do not go straight + make abnormal noises, there are many cases where multiple parts such as the undercarriage bushing, hub bearings, tie rods, and shocks are deteriorating at the same time, and if left unattended, safety will be greatly reduced.
If you experience symptoms such as thumping, gurgling, or lightheadedness, you can prevent serious breakdowns and minimize repair costs.
Even if the symptoms are similar, the causes vary from vehicle to vehicle.
Even if there are similar abnormal noises and malfunctions, there are various causes such as turbo belts and sensors.
If you are unsure, it is safe to have it inspected at a maintenance shop without overdoing it.
What to read next
Please proceed to the article below that best describes your symptoms.
- Steering Wheel Jerks on Bumps? How to Diagnose Undercarriage Rattles and Play
- Steering Wheel Flutter at High Speed: Causes and Loss of Straight-Line Stability
- Steering Wheel Pulls to One Side: Alignment vs Tire Issues and How to Tell
- Car Pulled by Road Surface Bumps? Causes of Tramlining in VW and How to Fix It
- Why Won’t My Car Drive Straight and Why Is It Making Noise? Common Causes Explained
- Causes of increased steering play|If you feel “rattling” on the steering wheel
- Why Doesn’t My Car Track Straight After New Tires? Alignment and Setup Issues Explained
- Car Won’t Track Straight? Symptoms of Worn Undercarriage Bushings and How to Tell
- Why Doesn’t EPS Correct Steering? Straight-Line Instability in VW Without a Warning Light
- Car Feels Floaty or Unstable? Causes of Suspension Failure and Shock Wear Symptoms
Defect details by vehicle type
Although the “way of getting out” the defect is similar, “which model has many problems” is slightly different for each car model.
Trends by vehicle model and common breakdown cases among other owners are summarized on the following page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is it serious to not run straight and make abnormal noises at the same time?
A1. There is a high possibility that multiple parts of the suspension and steering are deteriorating at the same time, and the risk is greater than the symptoms alone. Safety deteriorates faster than in the case of only straight fault or abnormal noise, so early inspection is safe.
Q2. Is it okay to run for a while even if there is a thud and sway?
A2. If it is mild, it is possible to drive, but if it is caused by a loose bearing or tie rod, the symptoms may worsen rapidly while driving. If the sound is loud or the car flows clearly, towing is recommended.
Q3. Are hub bearing grunts and straight-line failures more likely to occur as a set?
A3. Yes. When the bearings are worn, there is a difference in rotational resistance, and the car pulls slightly, which leads to extraneous noise and directional deviation at the same time. If left unattended, it will lead to sticking and inability to run.
Q4. Can DIY narrow down the cause?
A4. You can check tire debris, steering wheel center, sound type, volume change at speed, etc. However, the combination of poor straight-line + abnormal noise is highly dangerous, and it is difficult for an amateur to judge the rattling of the undercarriage, so the final diagnosis is essential at a maintenance shop.
Q5. How much should I expect to pay for repairs?
A5. Bushes and stabilizers are in the 1-40,000 yen range, bearings are 2.5-45,000 yen, tie rods are 1.5-30,000 yen, and shock systems are 6-120,000 yen. Since multiple parts are often involved, it is realistic to get a diagnosis and estimate first.
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