Anyone have any ideas or had similar experinces on Clonking/twanging springs...?

My 02' Octy TDi has developed a twang from the front suspension when turning full lock [occurs when turning in either direction and happens when stationary as well as on the move]

My first thought is that this is related to the front spring/strut assembly and is probably a broken spring but I can't see any obvious spring breakages although I haven't been able to get her lifted up yet.

I have looked under the bonnet and noticed that the black plastic 'cap'/ dome that covers the retaining nut on the strut is almost touching the turret on the inner wing on the drivers side but on the passenger side there is a gap of about 1/2" and you can just see under it.

Before I strip down the suspension does anyone know which is correct, no clearance or 1/2" clearance?

Is it possible that the strut bearing at the top can seize and give the same noise?

Cheers JR

The bearings can seize yes, but a spring is more likely i'd say.

Seized top mount bearings, we do loads on the Golf 4 platform cars (A3, G4, Oct, Leon etc) which are all the same, in fact the Golf 3 from 92 used the same bearing on 5 stud and later on all. I have just done two on my 03 Octavia VRS as both were seized. I thought it was the ARB at first as it was badly breaking up on the inner mounts but that only partly cured it,. The mounts are cheap from places like GSF and are VW part number 1J0 412 249, even genuine VAG they are only £5.85.

if you do strip the shockers down to fit the bearings , grease the spring platforms, as movement of the spring on them can cause noises also