Morning! First off, thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience with the world. I know you don't like VW vehicles in general, but, I have a 2019 Jetta GLI 6spd manual that needs both axle assemblies replaced. I have about 24-25k miles on it. I do have lowering springs but it's only a 1" drop. I didn't want anything drastic, just a slightly lower stance. I don't track the car or dump the clutch. Just spirited driving. I first noticed the usual knocking/clanking noise associated with CV axles not too long ago and took it to the dealership because axles should last a little longer than 30k before failing. They only replaced the outer boot that was leaking with a boot kit. I didn't hear any noise when I got it back and thought it was fixed. In a couple of weeks we took a trip to Blue Ridge for New Years and since you have to be in first gear while turning up the mountain roads I started heard the noise again. So, took it back to the dealer and they swore they test drove it and its not the axles but the suspension due to it being "modified," and wanted $240 for further diagnosis. I declined and took it to a local shop. They test drove and put it on the rack and found that the outer joint, which the dealer replaced the boot, was knocking and the joint sounded worn out. Also, the passenger side inner joint was leaking. Recommendation was to replace both axle assemblies. I though, great, now back to the dealership. I wanted to give them something for their trouble but they didn't want anything for the diagnosis. I made sure to give them a good review online. Now, the car is back at the dealership and I'm waiting to hear back after a day and a half if they want to cover replacing the axles under warranty. It'll cost close to$2k for the repair. Sorry for the long story but, my question is.... realistically speaking, would a non aggressive 1" drop cause that much wear on the axles for my type of driving this early? Alignment is good, the tires aren't wearing abnormally, bushings and tie rods are good.... Thank you for time! Have a great new year!
waiting to hear back after a day and a half if they want to cover replacing the axles under warranty.
Knowing the typical VAG tactics, chances are pretty slim they’ll approve a warranty replacement for a vehicle that’s no longer stock. I’m willing to bet it’s also mentioned in your warranty.
It'll cost close to$2k for the repair.
Ask the independent shop for their own repair estimate.
would a non aggressive 1" drop cause that much wear on the axles for my type of driving this early?
It’s hard to say because as soon as you deviate from stock, the vehicle is no longer behaving as designed..
Whatever path VW chooses to pursue, in future, wait for the warranty period to end before attempting any mods that will blatantly void your vehicle’s factory warranty.
All the best!
I doubt it. You're not significantly changing the direction (or magnitude) of the force that the spring is applying on the body/ suspension components. Probably just VW junk to be honest.
On the other hand, I don't know all the math and factors that go into designing a cars suspension, so I cant 100% say no.
InThrustWeTrust made a very good point. Don't mod a car until its outside its warranty. Even though I don't think the lowering springs did the damage, you cant prove they didnt. So the dealership has a cop out and can say its probably from your modification, and then not pay for it.
P.S. Are these lowering springs stiffer than your factory ones? They should be (higher lbs/in value).
They're the H&R -1" sports. They're suppose to be for the GLI with DCC. The ride only slightly stiffer.
Thanks for the advise. I'm thinking to just spend the money after it's fixed to put the OEM springs back on just for peace of mind if something else goes wrong. I'm thinking the price for the independent shop will be similar to VW since these axles are expensive and I was told that there really isn't any other option except OEM for the axles.
The VW dealer will (or should) only instal OEM parts on a vehicle that’s still within factory warranty.