Cv Joint Or Something Else?

[Jack Flash 0]

Hi all,

 

Not long ago I had a 1.6 GTI given to me to start out in motorsport. The car had been sat in a garage/ on a driveway for about 2 years. I took the car to be MoT'd last week and all it failed on was nearside front upper and lower anti-roll bar linkage dust covers and offside track rod end dust cover. Needless to say I was very pleased. The engine pulls well and despite a small oil leak seems in very good condition.

 

Since the MoT I have driven it around a bit and the car has developed a drumming/knocking sound from the front nearside area, however it is only when turning right and accelerating. If I take my foot off the accelerator or press the clutch down mid corner the sound disappears. It also does not happen whilst reversing and turning in either direction. I have had passengers in the car who have said the knocking can be felt through the floor pan, especially towards the centre of the car. The car itself feels alright even when the noise happens.

 

I've checked the wheels and I don't think it's the bearing. It has been suggested that the CV joint might be going in which case I need to change the driveshaft. Does this sound reasonable or could there be another reason?

 

Cheers,

Scott.

[DamirGTI 342]

Grab the steering rack on the both sides (the left side is the one which normally fails cos there's an bush on that side of the rack which often wears off ..) with your hand and push up/down for free play ... for driveshafts , grab them on the each side and try to twist-turning them up/down .

 

Check also lower control ARB arms by hitting them from underneath with an rubber mallet or closed fist .

 

The car needs to be with the tires in contact with the surface , at least 50% when checking for a looseness in suspension components .

 

D

[johnnyboy666 195 1 Cars]

Sounds like symptoms I've had from a knackered driveshaft before, sounded like somebody was knocking on the floorpan. In my case it then developed into a gearstick wobble as well. After swapping the driveshafts, it went away. The driveshaft I took off either had the CV boot fitted without the right amount of grease in it, or most of it had escaped and not left the usual blast radius of sticky filth under the car.

[Ramigojag 19 1 Cars]

Sounds roughly like CV joint although from my experience they've never got to the point of felling it through the car, but either way id still reckon cv they can be tested if you grab firmly hold of the driveshaft and try and twist it either way and listen for any knocking or excessive play

[Tom Fenton 1,542]

From my experience that sounds 99% like a driveshaft on its way.

[Jack Flash 0]

Hi all,

 

Thanks for the replies. I had a look at the car today in between the rain and when twisting the driveshaft there is a knocking noise from the wheel end and a little bit of play. A new driveshaft has been ordered and hopefully there will be another dry spell soon so I can have a crack at fitting it.

 

Cheers,

Scott.

[Slo 283 1 Cars]

Cool I wouldn't drive it in the meantime mate if you can help it, could leave you stranded or cause some damage if it breaks and jams up

[Jack Flash 0]

Just to let you all know that I changed the driveshaft last week and the outer CV joint was indeed kaput. Fitted the new driveshaft and everything is now fine, no more knocking. I even took it to Castle Combe yesterday, took it around on the parade laps that Bristol Motor Club were running and it felt very good to drive.

 

Thanks again for all the help.