Troubleshooting axle shafts (VW Golf 1)

In most cases, drive shaft joints can fail suddenly, but from time to time these phenomena can appear and disappear. The "quiet phase" can last for many days or kilometers.

Characteristic are rhythmic noises, a click when pressing and releasing the accelerator pedal. If these sounds change depending on the rotation of the steering wheels, then the joint on the wheel side is defective.

Vibrations and shaking movements in the steering wheel when turning the wheels also indicate that the outer joint is damaged.

If you hear a creaking sound when starting off from a standstill with the wheels turned, this sound does not necessarily come from the axle joint; it may be due to the wheel hub bearings.