driveshaft noise?

[damian2057]

Hi all

getting a graunching noise from front, which seems linked to engine speed rather than road speed, would appreciate any thoughts to help with diagnosis. I've read most of the posts about wheel bearings, driveshafts etc. and these are my thoughts so far.

- noise doesn't vary whether turning right or left or straight on, so don't think it's the wheel bearings
- no clicks at full lock right or left so prob not cv joints
- tyres ok and inflated so not that
- strut tops not rusty, rubbers in good condition, so not that
- engine mounts seem solid, so prob not that

However, when I grab the driveshaft behind the right front wheel, there is play of 1/4 to 1/2 inch towards the wheel. Other side seems more solid. Don't know whether this is normal, and play is because right wheel is turned out, or whether it's diagnosos of probs with driveshaft.

Definitely seems related to torque, in that when I gun it say in 2nd gear, noise gets worse, kindof like rrrrraaaaarrrrraaaa.

What about the intermediate joint on driveshaft? Would that be it, and how difficult is it to do?

Any advice appreciated. It's a 2.1D, 1992 LHD with 525K kms.

Cheers
Damian

[kenhall1202]

Hi Damian,

The wheel end of the driveshaft should be positively located in the CV joint by a snap ring and groove so the lateral shaft movement at the wheel you have quoted seems excessive.

The intermediate joint on this shaft is not usually a problem providing the boot is sound and grease is present. The bearing behind this joint can wear or fail or be loose in the housing. Replacement of the bearing is a DIY job but requires removal of the shaft.
I did mine a couple of months ago.

Could any failing belt idlers be responsible for the noise?

Ken

This post has been edited by kenhall1202 on October 26, 2010 09:08 pm

[damian2057]

Thanks for that Ken, I'll have a look at belt idlers too when I can get underneath
Damian

[Jan-hendrik]

Doesn't sound like a hydraulic issue.
The noise is not there when revving the engine at standstill?
If it's the belt idlers I think you should hear some noise when the car is stationary.

You can do this at home:
Jack up the front of the car, start the engine, put it into gear, rev it and try to pinpoint noises, if any. Don't crawl under the vehicle, unless supported by axle stands.

[noz]

Hi Damian,

As Ken says, the likely culprit is the idle pulley on the fan belt which drives the alternator and hydraulic pump.

Cheers

noz

[Peter.N.]

Hi Damian

I had the centre bearing completely disintegrate on one of mine allowing the driveshaft to slide out of the diff thereby loosing drive!

Peter

[Jan-hendrik]

QUOTE (noz @ November 01, 2010 09:30 pm) 

Hi Damian,

As Ken says, the likely culprit is the idle pulley on the fan belt which drives the alternator and hydraulic pump.

Cheers

noz

Fan belt???

[Peter.N.]

He's showing his age

[techmanagain]

I think you may have hit the nail on the head and the bearing is noisy. It isd a perfectly standard bearing, available at any besring stockits - 6206 with a DN suffix, IIRC.
There is another possibility I would suggest ,
and that is that the clutch release bearing is faulty. Does the noise reduce when you are driving and have not used the clutch for a while?

[damian2057]

Result - it was the bearing on the intermediate joint was the culprit.

Thanks for everyone's help.