Clunking (driveshaft?)

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Sun 2 Jun 2002 10:26
Clunking (driveshaft?) - dave18
Replaced left hand driveshaft recently on my 309; got the refund through aswell (I posted about this asking if I had a chance of any money back as I bought from a trader.)
However I\'m unsusre about the right hand side. The car makes a clunking noise as I pull away, especially if I move quickly, and under full throttle at say 85-90 it shakes, could this be the lefdt hand side?
Thanks
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Sun 2 Jun 2002 11:45
Clunking - Crinkly Dave
A few things to check before fitting a new driveshaft (the offside one in some models is longer and passes through another bearing)

Does the the clunk occur at low speeds, particularly when reversing? Could be the brake pads moving in the caliper, often caused by the anti-rattle spring rotting or the caliper piston sticking slightly. Worth dismantling the brakes to check everything is free & putting copper grease on backs of pads etc. This cured the reversing clunk on mine.

Is the clunk a high frequency rattle? If it's the outside joint the noise will get worse if you drive in a tight circle with full lock on. Try both sides. It is a very definite noise, and if you have an experienced mate he/she will recognise it immediately.

Is the clunk of a lower frequency, with definite "clunks" rather than a rattle, and worse if you boot it when going round a righthand corner? Welcome to the group. My 309 diesel has been doing this for several months, and it is maddening. I suspect it could be the inner joint (3 rollers and needle bearings instead of a "proper" CV joint) but mine seems well greased with no obvious defect & there is no problem at high speeds. I would think the joints should last the life of the vehicle (173k on my 405).

Oh yes, if it's a diesel, change the cambelt if there is any doubt. HJ is spot on & I tell everyone to do this, and didn't myself. Not a pretty sight
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Sun 2 Jun 2002 12:59
Clunking (to clarify) - dave18
Occasionally when reversing. However its most noticeable when pulling away quickly e.g. joining a main road from a side road; I can 'feel' a clunk. It happens also when changing from 4th to 3rd to overtake for example. There is no noise on full lock although I know exactly what you mean by this because that was what diagnosed the left hand CV joint. At high speed, there is a high frequency shaking, accompanied by a very faint knocking noise. This only happens when doing 80+ and under full throttle. If the impending MOT suggests I need a new driveshaft/CV joint where is the best place to go? BTW as for cornering, sometimes there is a quiet screeching noise. (Quiet screeching - contradiction in terms - difficult to describe these noises though.)
Thanks
PS changed cambelt at 75k and there were hairline cracks in between the teeth.
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Mon 3 Jun 2002 18:46
Clunking (to clarify) - JohnD
Hi Dave - Your "quiet screeching" noise could be the intermediate bearing on the righthand driveshaft.
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