why does my Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019) shake when I accelerate

Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

548 words

Problem Statement

Discover how to diagnose and fix shaking issues during acceleration in Volkswagen Golf MK7 (2015-2019). Step-by-step guide with symptoms and solutions.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Always ensure the vehicle is securely lifted and supported when working under it.
•Disconnect the battery before working on electrical components.

Symptoms

•Vibrations felt through the steering wheel during acceleration
•Shaking of the vehicle chassis or body
•Unusual noises accompanying the vibrations (e.g., clunking or grinding)
•Steering wheel misalignment or pulling to one side
•Increased tire wear or visible damage to tires

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the tires for uneven wear, damage, or improper inflation.
2
Check wheel balance and alignment using a professional alignment machine.
3
Examine the suspension components (e.g., control arms, bushings) for wear or damage.
4
Inspect the driveshaft and CV joints for any signs of wear or damage.
5
Scan for error codes using an OBD-II scanner to identify potential electronic issues.
6
Test the engine mounts for deterioration or looseness.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•OBD-II scanner
•Socket set
•Torque wrench
•Wheel balancer
•Alignment machine
•Jack and jack stands

Parts Required

•Replacement tires (if applicable)
•Suspension components (control arms, bushings, struts)
•Driveshaft or CV joints (if applicable)
•Engine mounts (if applicable)

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the tires for uneven wear, damage, or improper inflation.
2
Check wheel balance and alignment using a professional alignment machine.
3
Examine the suspension components (e.g., control arms, bushings) for wear or damage.
4
Inspect the driveshaft and CV joints for any signs of wear or damage.
5
Scan for error codes using an OBD-II scanner to identify potential electronic issues.
6
Test the engine mounts for deterioration or looseness.

Solution

1. Tire Inspection and Replacement

Sub-steps:
- Remove all four wheels using a socket set.
- Inspect each tire for bubbles, cracks, or uneven wear patterns.
- Replace any damaged or excessively worn tires with new ones.
- Ensure all tires are inflated to manufacturer specifications.

2. Wheel Balancing and Alignment

Sub-steps:
- Mount the wheels on a balancing machine to check for imbalance.
- Add weights to balance the wheels as needed.
- After balancing, place the vehicle on an alignment rack and adjust the wheel alignment to manufacturer specifications.
Tools Required: Wheel balancer, alignment machine.

3. Suspension Component Inspection and Replacement

Sub-steps:
- Visually inspect the suspension components for cracks or excessive wear.
- Replace any damaged control arms, bushings, or struts as necessary.
- Torque all suspension bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications after reinstallation.
Tools Required: Socket set, torque wrench.

4. Driveshaft and CV Joint Inspection

Sub-steps:
- Lift the vehicle and secure it on jack stands.
- Inspect the driveshaft for bends or damage, and check CV joints for play or torn boots.
- Replace any damaged driveshaft or CV joint components.
Tools Required: Jack and jack stands, socket set.

5. Engine Mount Inspection

Sub-steps:
- Inspect the engine mounts for cracks or deterioration.
- If the mounts are damaged, replace them with new mounts.
- Ensure all mounting bolts are torqued to the specified values.
Tools Required: Socket set, torque wrench.