My 1998 vw passat has a loud grinding, rumbling sound and vibration coming from the front suspension, sounds like the wheels are going to fall off. The dealer replaced the cross link arms at a cost of approx $300. I also had the tie rods replaced under recall. But noise/vibration still there. Now the dealer tells me it might be bushings on either the upper control arm or the lower control arm, each costing about $1300 to replace. I asked the dealer if this was a normal repair item, they said "sure", your car has 90k miles on it. I find it hard to believe that a well built, safe car would have this type of expensive repair.
1998 Volkswagen Passat: grinding or squealing brakes
14 of the 331 complaints about the 1998 Volkswagen Passat describe grinding or squealing brakes.
- owner complaints
- 14
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- typical repair cost reported
- $950
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 6 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Grinding or squealing brakes by model year
What owners say
While driving at any speed, the consumer would hear a squeaking sound coming from the front end. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who found that the right outer and inner tie rods needed to be replaced.
A squeaking noise was heard when getting out of the vehicle or when applying pressure to the hood. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the tie rods were found to be worn out also, power steering fluid had to be added about every 60 days due to a defect in the rack and pinion.
Defective tie rod assembly and lower ink arm-n and lower control arm-n caused potentially dangerous steering condition and made loud grinding noises.
Rear brakes make loud squeaking noise from moment brake pedal is depressed until vehicle comes to a complete stop. Dealer has inspected and said brakes/pads are ok. Dealer deglazed pads which fixed noice problem for approx 2 weeks and then it returned. Problem still not resolved. Problem started at 20k, vehicle just had 40k mile service-dealer said brakes ok still. Said front brakes will need replacement at next service. I feel dealer is trying to fix problem, but manufacturer hasn't provide dealer with any recommendations on problem resolution.
After approximately 23,000 miles, the lower control arms on my 1998 volkswagen passat failed. Symptoms of the failure are squeaking and/or clunking noises from the front suspension. My dealer determined that the ball joints on both front passenger-side lower control arms had failed, requiring replacement of both control arm assemblies. The cost of replacement is approximately $900. The lower control arms are not normal wear items. Volkswagen should recall the affected cars and pay for the replacement of the lower control arms.
Creaking/grinding from front end. Vw service determined that lower control arm bushing(s) are faulty. $950 to repair. Contacted vw customer relations, after investigation, vw to pay 1/2 of parts and labour.
Control arm: noticed a loud grinding sound coming from front suspension area. Dealer diagnosed as defective lowe rcontrol arm/ ball joints. Lower control arms and ball joints were replaced. Complained to volkswagen, who covered cost of parts but not labor. After repair learned that a friend had the identical problem in a 1999 passat at almost the identical mileage. Then saw on this website that about 17 of 160 complaints relating to the 1998 passat are for exactly this problem. This is clearly an engineering or manufacturing defect. Vw should replace this part for all passat owners and reimburse those who have already had it replaced. Sunroof: sunroof opens spontaneously when switch is in the "off" position. Problem is most pronounced on warm days when car is driven over sharp bumps. Problem occurs without warning and is alarming to driver and could pose a safety risk. Observed that this problem has been reported by several others already.
Squeaking noise from front end. Out-of town vw dealer said "ball joints" $800 to repair. "dangerous to drive". Contacted vw customer service, they said it must be checked by dealer used for regular maintenance. That dealer said "lower control arms need replacing" "safe to drive" $1200 to repair. Took to 3rd mechanic, who said nothing was wrong, "just noisy". It continues to get worse, and I am concerned with safety.
Vehicle has a squeaking noise coming from suspension when steering or going over bumps or braking. *ak consumer stated the cause of the problem was failure of the bushings in the front lower control arms.
Vehicle was making a metal-to-metal squeaking noise. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership for examination. Dealership informed consumer that both upper and lower control arms needed to be replaced with only 53,000 miles on vehicle. *ak
The brakes squeaked, the dealer filed the brakes and the noise went away, the brakes weren't working, the dealer replaced the brakes and the rotors.
Service bulletins that may apply
- To code a Bosch 5.3 ABS control module, use Vehicle Self-diagnosis to enter the correct coding value from...
- Volkswagen: update to information
- Summary to be provided on a future date.
- Tech Tips (Bosch 5.3 ABS Control Module ? ABS Coding Tables):
- Anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module warranty repair process
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold may not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 f under certain driving conditions.
- Risk
- This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which is designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions.
Recall number 99V131001 · Recall details
Questions about the 1998 Volkswagen Passat grinding brakes
Is grinding or squealing brakes a common problem on the 1998 Volkswagen Passat?
14 of 331 owner complaints about the 1998 Volkswagen Passat (4%) mention grinding or squealing brakes. The model year with the most reports is 1999.
How much does it cost to fix grinding or squealing brakes on the 1998 Volkswagen Passat?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $950 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Volkswagen Passat?
There is 1 recall and 6 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Volkswagen Passat
Ball joint 82ABS 75Engine failure 6Loss of power 6Power steering loss 6Stalling 6Door locks 5Fire or smoke 5
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