Clunking from engine bay on Start up - V50 T5 AWD 2008

Fosgate · Post by **Fosgate** » 19 Mar 2026, 23:12

Hey guys,

I got RHD 2008 V50 AWD T5, and been getting this clunking noise coming from under the car (not sure if its on right or left side, but possible the right side) right after starting the engine. It kind of feels like the ABS self check but lot louder and car is stationary. Usually happens when the car has been sitting overnight but can also happen with warm engine but the clunking is not so loud. . Really hard to diagnose as it only happens once after starting the engine cold.
Also think it might be from the steering rack, like the clunking is coming from the rack itself after you start the engine and the power steering electrical pump kicks in... I'll try to disconnect the power steering pump before starting the engine to see if it clunking disappears.
If you had something similar or have an idea what can cause that.
Thanks

Post by **scot850** » 21 Mar 2026, 17:40

Check the 2 main engine mounts and the torque rod and it's bushes under the car. My young friend had a clunking ant it was one of the mounts, but he is now replacing the LH one as it literally fell apart! He decided at that point to also replace the torque rod while in there. I am waiting for the request to come borrow the hoist!

Neil.

Fosgate · Post by **Fosgate** » 22 Mar 2026, 19:03

Yeah thanks I'll check the mounts this weekend and the bottom torque rod looked fine when I checked few months back when replacing the transfer fluid. Will also try disconnecting the power steering pump as well to see if that makes a difference, it really feels like the clunking is coming from the bottom of the car.

Post by **scot850** » 23 Mar 2026, 08:27

My young V50 T5 AWD friend was convinced the clunking was coming from the RHS front of his car. We had replaced the mount with a Meyle one maybe 8 months ago so I was disappointed but not convinced it was bad and had suggested checking the 'hidden' LHS mount and the torque rod. A check of the torque rod while up on the hoist looked ok.

A week later when close to home there was a large clunk and a grating noise. The LHS mount had failed. It may have been due to some work he and a friend did in the car that brought this on but we are not to know now.

He has ordered the torque rod and the LHS mount and support mount (one of the bolt threads has stripped out).

He has managed to stabilize the mount for now while driving the car very carefully until the new parts arrive hopefully this week.

Good Luck figuring this out!

Neil.

Fosgate · Post by **Fosgate** » 11 Jul 2026, 19:16

Thanks Neil, just saw your reply, I haven't done anything on the car since my last post, the clunking noise is on and off and not getting worse so I'll have a look next time I'm doing the oil change. Will keep you updated.