Banging and clanking sound when accelerating

2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
120,000 MILES • 2WD • MANUAL
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JORGE MARTINEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My car started to make a loud banging noise when I accelerate and switch gears. It happened randomly mid drive and hasn’t gone away. I now smell burning when I turn on the car.
Aug 2, 2020 at 10:18 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

This sounds like two different issues. As far as the banging noise, have you checked to make sure the axles are tight and in good shape? Also, have you checked any of the suspension components in the front? Do you feel anything through the steering wheel when it makes the noise? Does it seem worse when making a turn?

I attached a pic of the front axles below. I circled the two places they can wear out. On a flat surface, place the parking brake on and place the vehicle in neutral to eliminate load on the axles. See if there is any movement side to side at the joints. Note there is an axle on each side of the vehicle that goes from the transmission to the front wheel hub assembly.

Let me know.

Joe

Aug 2, 2020 at 7:30 PM
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