Hi, over the last few months I've begun to notice a rattle from the back - perhaps the rear wheel drivers side.

I haven't investigated yet, but I suspect worn bushes or something similar.

I have a Haynes manual for the mk1. Is it likely to be a similar detail or will I need a new manual?

Thanks for any advice.

What sort of rattle?  If it's a light tinny rattle we've had a few of those and they've been exhaust heat shields or brake disc splash guards working loose

Thanks, well the heat shields are a bit loose, but what i hear is a bit heavier, clunkier.

Just wondering if the MK1 is similar to MK2 in terms of suspension/bushes set up.

Edited 25 October, 20205 yr by Regsmyth

Many years ago now I had a more of a  light donk than a rattle from the back of mine, couldn't find anything with any notable wear in, but took a punt on the anti roll bar drop links which had the smallest amount of wear and that seemed to do the trick.

As above worth checking the rear drop links

Loose rear shock upper mount?

Well I finally decided to have a closer look.

To my inexperienced eye, the bushes in photo 1,2&3 look worn.

There is also the ARB bush, but I couldn't get a good photo.

The rear drop links were also difficult to see.

Are there any wiggle/lever test I can do to identify bits that might need replacing?

Thanks for any advice.

My rattle was a piece of broken suspension spring rattling around in the lower suspension arm.

The other "humming" thread reminded me that I should update this thread.

I went for a drive with a mate in the boot trying to locate the rattle noise. He concluded it would be the drop links.

I changed them - no change.

Then I touched the rear strut cover - and found it was loose and had dropped down from the bump stop.

Wedged it back up with a bit of old sponge, and the rattle was gone!

 

The strut cover had dropped down because the strut had leaked and rotted the bump stop.

 

All sorted now though.

I've had the same on mine, the rear shocker covers had dropped away from the bump stops and were ratting on the lower arm. Few cable ties has fixed that for now 🙂