This is real NORMAL stuff.

1. You can live with it or try finding some smoother options:

a. Rack Dampner Pin. On my '84D, the was the culprit. Replaced it and things smoothed out. You can also just back it out a turn or so for colder weather. I just did this on my 2nd '84 and it worked.
b. Motor mounts are easier to replace than they first appear. Sometimes this helps. But with your problem coming and going, I would do these last.
c. I might also bump the idle up somewhat.

Don

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DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
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'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
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'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

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