How to Fix Suspension Issues in the Volkswagen Polo? (3 Expert Tips)

By Vroomouk
Page last updated: 14/08/2023 | Next review date: 14/08/2025
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In this brief article, we are going to discuss the different suspension issues that occur in Volkswagen Polo cars, what the causes are, and Troubleshooting Tips.

The Top 3 Most Common problems with Volkswagen Polo Suspension are:

What Suspension does the Polo have?

The Volkswagen Polo is based on the Volkswagen Group MQB A0 platform currently in its 6th generation. The front suspension set-up is Macpherson Strut and a Lower control arm along with an Anti-Roll Bar.

The rear suspension of the 6th gen Polo is a set-up consisting of a Torsion Beam – Trailing Arm and Coil Springs.

Most common Volkswagen Polo suspension Problems

1. VW POLO Front Banging noise 

  • The noise comes only when you go over big speed bumps and potholes
  • On mild-to-moderate rough roads the noise would be quite minimal
  • While locking the steering to any one side when the car is standstill, there is a sort of grinding noise

Polo Front ‘Banging’ noise Troubleshooting: Struts

  • A ‘banging’ noise usually points to something related to the strut
  • Along with this noise, if you notice a certain grinding noise while locking the steering at standstill, then you can suspect the Strut Top mount as a probable source
  • Under the bonnet, Remove the Plastic panels at the inner 2 corners of the bonnet. This is where the Strut Top mount is accessible from
  • Damage to the top strut mount typically happens because you have reached the ‘End-of-Life’ of the Strut, and also driven the car beyond this point
  • Ideally, the Struts last a maximum of 70k miles or less, depending on the proportion of rough roads your car goes over on average
  • You can test the Shock Damper by doing a compression test. Hold the strut on a Bench-vice and then push down the top of the damper rod. If it comes back up on its own, then it is in working condition. If it stays where you moved it, then it means that it is damaged
  • While changing the struts, do not reuse the top mounts, even if they are visually OK. If the struts have already gone, then the top mounts would floor soon. You could save yourself the time and trouble of opening up  the suspension when you get an issue with the reused mount in the very near future.

2. VW POLO Front Knocking noise 

  • The noise comes rather quickly going over mildly rough road surfaces
  • Since the noise happens for mildly rough roads, it is more likely that the source of the problem would be a component that moves relatively more as compared to the other parts of the suspension, like, the A-arm for example

Polo Front Knocking noise Troubleshooting: A-Arm or Lower Control Arm

  • Within the A-Arm, the most probable cause for noise would be the A-Arm bushings
  • Remove the wheel on the side where the noise seems to be originating and inspect for any rubber disintegration
  • For a worn out bush, it is not always necessary to change the whole arm.  You could chose to source a replacement bush and get it hydraulically pressed into the arm, IF there is no other damage to the A-Arm sheet metal

3. VW POLO Rear Knocking noise

  • The knocking noise originates from the rear suspension
  • Sound more prominent especially when taking a turn
  • The rear suspension also feels bumpier than normal

Polo Rear Knocking noise Troubleshooting: Shock Absorbers

Polo’s are known to create a knocking noise whenever the shock absorber fails

  • Raise the vehicle on a lift or jack to inspect the shocks
  • Check the bottom tube of the shock for oil stains. If there are then there is a shock failure
  • If not, the shocks could still be internally worn out. You can check the shock by hand after removing it
  • Press down the shock in an upside down position and see if the shock absorber extends back to normal length on its own instantly.
  • A failed shock will either not extend on its own, or do so extremely slow.

Conclusion

In this brief article we have discussed the different suspension issues that occur in Volkswagen Polo cars, what the causes are, and Troubleshooting Tips.