Driveshaft/transmission play

  1. Newbie Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 5
    #1
    Hello

    Car is a 99 Saxo 1.1

    Knocking noises started coming out of the car on roundabouts a year ago, and have steadily been getting worse.

    I have assumed the problem is driveshafts, as both outer boots popped off a few months before this. I managed about 30 miles before spotting one of them (cleaned & repacked). The other was repaired within the day.

    I finally want the problem fixed. I jacked the car up to check for play to see if they both need doing. I noticed that there was NO noticable play in the driveshaft/wheel coupling (CV). However (when in gear) there was lots of play in the driveshaft/transmission (gearbox?).

    I've seen driveshafts for 35 quid on Ebay. I'm tempted to give it a try just in case, but would rather not spend good money if the root of the problem is more severe (car is only worth a few hundred quid anyway)!

    So, my questions:
    - Is there normally play in the driveshaft/transmission link?
    - Could this be causing the knocking?
    - What could be the problem?
    - It knocks when turning right - does this mean its a problem with the right side of the car?
    - Should I replace the driveshaft anyway?


    Any & all advice/suggestions will be appreciated!
  2. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jun 2006 Swansea Posts: 4946 Bianca White Peugeot 106 S2 Rallye, Saxo VTS
    #2
    Driveshafts or at least one definitely sound goosed. But sounds like the diff bearings have gone too.
  3. Newbie Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 5
    #3
    Diff bearings, dont like the sound of that. How can I test them? (without stripping down the gearbox!)

    What would be the consequence of not fixing the bearings?
  4. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 6640 Integra DC5R & VTS
    #4
    Usually when diff bearings go, the box starts to get really whiney like straight cut gears?

    I would start by replacing the driveshafts and see if this solves the problem.
  5. Newbie Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 5
    #5
    Hello,
    I've checked the CVs and they are both fine.

    The passenger side diff seems to be leaking oil. I guess the oil seal has gone - and could probably assume that the problem is in the diff (bearing, as suggested).

    What is the consequence of not fixing it? i.e. failure mode?

    I cannot afford to fix it at the moment, and would like to continue using it, as long as the breakdown potential is relatively safe (ie not expect one wheel to lock up on the motorway).


    Thanks
  6. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 6640 Integra DC5R & VTS
    #6
    As you've said, the driveshaft oil seal needs replacing. Quite common for these to perish/ get damaged when removing or refitting a driveshaft. Luckily, the passenger side is the easiest one to do. A new seal should be a couple of quid from a dealer.

    If it's a very small leak, it's not going to cause any major harm. If it looks like it's lost a lot of oil, it might be worth checking the oil level in the gearbox. Remove the level plug (higher of the two plugs) on the passenger side of the gearbox. If oil slowly runs out, the level is fine, if not, add some 75W80 until it does.

    Quote:
    However (when in gear) there was lots of play in the driveshaft/transmission (gearbox?).
    With the car jacked up and in gear, you'll be able to rotate the front wheels a little bit each way - totally normal.
  7. Newbie Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 5
    #7
    ok - so you reckon the noise is nothing to worry about?
  8. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 6640 Integra DC5R & VTS
    #8
    I'd say the noise is either going to be from a driveshaft or ball joint. Might be worth getting a second opinion if you want it sorted.
  9. Newbie Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 5
    #9
    Ok thanks. I'll check there is still oil in the box and go from there.