I posted about a month ago about my ZX volcane with a wobbling gear stick on acceleration. 2.0i with 125000 on the clock. People reckoned that if i changed my driveshafts that would sort the problem out. Since I don't use the car loads at the moment I have lived with the problem and just been driving carefully.
Today I have decided to tackle it. I am prepared to changed the shafts but I just want to be sure. I have jacked the front of the car up and tried to see where the play is. Here is my question. When the car is in gear when you spin one wheel the other goes the other way. Normal so far. However there seems to be loads of play. The wheel can turn about 5-10 degrees before the other wheel turns and vice versa. I'm sure that this is too much play. Also when driving there is a knock when you lift the clutch pedal. This i'm sure is said play. Where is the wear? Is it the gearbox diff cog that is worn because the play is identical on both wheels? This is why I'm unsure whether replacing the shafts is going to make any difference.
Thanks for any suggestions. I'm sorry if I offend anyone who replied previously about my doubts!
Humphrey
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Mechanical backlash is normal the amount of play varies, shunt is also a feature on my A4 Quattro, normal the dealer says, i overcome it by engaging the clutch at a slower rate. A wobbly gearstick was a feature on the Volvo V40 i test drove when they first came out, however i once had a cortina that had a wobbling gear stick and found the gearbox mounting sheared, but i don't suppose your car will have any.Get further advise.
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Humpy,
Your backlash sounds normal.
If you are thinking of changing both driveshafts for new ones as something of a chance repair....don't, it could be a huge waste of money.
Find someone who is familiar with these cars who will have a more logical check through things.
David W
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Humpy
David's advice is sound - I doubt that it's drive shafts. It sounds like worn engine mountings to me. I've had them damaged in the past when the gorillas at the fast fit tyre depots put a jack under the wrong point at the front. I think there might also be a tie rod to restrain fore and aft movement. Perhaps DW can confirm?
Ian Cook
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Ian,
You're thinking of the bottom engine/transmission mounting on your van I guess (similar setup), this is a little like a stubby tie-bar.
Humphrey,
I don't want to confuse you with two slightly different answers this time and last....
Last time I mentioned I'd been talking to several folks who by coincidence had suffered similar sounding symptoms and it did turn out to be driveshafts.
However I mentioned then to carefully look at the engine mounts first and also for a tyre with distorted tread. These are the "cheaper" problems you need to get out of the way first. Then you should rotate and examine the driveshafts in-situ to look for obvious faults.
If you are absolute sure what you are doing it is possible to support the front of the car and "drive" it with the wheels off the ground. This can often produce the fault enough to aid diagnosis.
**I do not advise you do the above but mention it as part of the fact finding someone might do. It can be very dangerous.
If you get my drift I was saying someone who knew these cars and how they ought to be would perhaps have a better idea without resorting to random part replacement.
I am reluctant to replace any expensive bit unless the fault can be proven....if every other aspect has been eliminated and substitution is the only way well it might be a last resort.
Good luck.
David W
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Ian,
I absolutely agree with David W and your backlash does sound normal.
From what you have said, my next step would be to seek a second opinion from a reliable source (before embarking on anything costing more than a tenner!!!)
Diagnostics are (predictably) difficult without actually seeing the car/ problem.
CMark
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Thanks for everyone's input, day off tomorrow so I'll organise a trip to the citroen specialist.
Cheers
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