Thud from driver side front wheel

2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
110,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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NICK STAPLETON
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When I hit the brakes hard, or come off them fast, hit a bump, just any thing that makes the car jerk, I hear a knock or a thud. It sounds metal on metal to me. My mother in law suspect a tie rod or something. What are some probable causes for this? I will crawl under and investigate once i get a few ideas. I just do not know where to start.
Aug 4, 2016 at 10:52 AM
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RIVERMIKERAT
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Tie rods. Bushings. Loose bolts. Loose caliper bolts. Loose strut bolts. Loose strut rod bolts.
Aug 4, 2016 at 12:27 PM
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NICK STAPLETON
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So I removed the tire and looks inside. All I see that looks wrong is this black rubber thing seems to be all cracked. Could this be the cause? And if so what is it?
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Aug 4, 2016 at 4:25 PM
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RIVERMIKERAT
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Oh yeah. Most assuredly. I believe that is the lower control arm or the sub-frame connector bushing.
Aug 4, 2016 at 4:33 PM
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NICK STAPLETON
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Would a home gamer be able to fix this himself, or would I need to take it in? Also, is it safe to drive it still for a few days?
Aug 4, 2016 at 4:36 PM
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JOHNNY G.JR
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do not drive it. With proper manual, and tools why not!
Aug 4, 2016 at 10:53 PM
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RIVERMIKERAT
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Driving it will cause more damage. And like Johnny says, with the proper manual and tools you can either rent or borrow from places like Autozone, sure. Places like Autozone sell the manuals for like twenty bucks.
Aug 5, 2016 at 5:31 AM