Rumbling from passenger footwell... Driveshaft? With Video.

22nd April 2012, 21:59

Evening all - another little niggle my car seems to have developed. When going in a straight line in 3rd, 4th and 5th gears, there's a horrible rumbly noise coming from the passenger footwell. I've got a feeling the driveshaft is on its way out, as its been making noise when turning left for a while, but I'm not sure if this is related?

Only other thing I can think it might be is the gearbox.

This is what it sounds like:

http://tinypic.com/r/21odaaq/5

Obviously it sounds a bit worse than it really is, as I put the camera in the passenger footwell where it seems to be coming from. The the deep rumbly noise only happens when I accelerate through gears 3, 4 and 5 - this isn't the engine, you can barely hear that on the video.

Any ideas?

23rd April 2012, 22:37

Next question providing nobody can help me with that...

Would a driveshaft make noise in a straight line if it was FUBAR'd? And would there be play in it, bearing in mind the gators are all ok)?

23rd April 2012, 23:44

Your drive shaft would make that noise if it was fooked, yes.

It IS your drive shaft.

I had the same problem, then i was going down a dual carriage way and herd it suddenly go click. Just like there were stones inside a ball being rolled.

I jacked the car up and the inner gaiter had split. Only the tension of everything was stopping the bearing drop out. Very lucky it never snapped.

24th April 2012, 00:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by logic_guy

Your drive shaft would make that noise if it was fooked, yes.

It IS your drive shaft.

I had the same problem, then i was going down a dual carriage way and herd it suddenly go click. Just like there were stones inside a ball being rolled.

I jacked the car up and the inner gaiter had split. Only the tension of everything was stopping the bearing drop out. Very lucky it never snapped.

Exactly how it sounds. Looks like that will be getting changed with the rear beam on Saturday

24th April 2012, 00:19

If its the passenger side then it can be changed by your self. (Make sure you drain g'box oil first). Just pop the wish bones down with a long bar and it'll slide out of the hub.

24th April 2012, 00:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by logic_guy

If its the passenger side then it can be changed by your self. (Make sure you drain g'box oil first). Just pop the wish bones down with a long bar and it'll slide out of the hub.

What makes the passenger side easier? The fact it's nearer to the gearbox so easier access?

24th April 2012, 00:36

Easier to access and alot shorter. The drivers drive shaft is longer and you have a bastard intermediate bearing you have to undo and be careful with the 'golf clubs'

A rookie could easily do the passenger side within half an hour. I'd suggest you have a Haynes guide (£10) just encase you're a little confused.

24th April 2012, 17:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by logic_guy

Easier to access and alot shorter. The drivers drive shaft is longer and you have a bastard intermediate bearing you have to undo and be careful with the 'golf clubs'

A rookie could easily do the passenger side within half an hour. I'd suggest you have a Haynes guide (£10) just encase you're a little confused.

Good stuff, already have a manual so will flick through it later. Will try and source one before the weekend and have a go.

Still a bit confused as to why it's so much louder in 3rd 4th and 5th though.