[AEMontoya]

Hi All,

I have a 1983 300 D Turbo that has started making noises on random occasions from the rear driver's side wheel. The noise is a clack-clack-clack type sound with a frequency that matches the speed I am going. The problem first showed itself about 1.5 years ago. At the time, I believed it to be the e-brake; so, I took the wheel off, lubed up the e-brake mechanism and adjusted it so loose that it wouldn't even engage any more, and the problem went away--until a week ago. When the noise came back this second time, I re-did the e-brake lube, but the noise will not go away. I have noticed that the noise varies in loudness, sometimes being quite loud, other times being nearly undetectable or nonexistent. On some days, it doesn't make any noises all day long. Furthermore, to my suprise, about 90% of the time, the noise is only present when applying throttle, and the loudness of the noise, at least at lower speeds, is proportional to how fast I accelerate. When the throttle is let off, the noise completely goes away. Thinking back to when the noise came up the first time, 1.5 years ago, I do not remember it being so dependent on the throttle (the noise now is definitely the same noise as before, though). If anyone has any input about what's going on, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
AEM

 

[dude99]

I'm thinking that your CV shaft has worn out.....

 

[AEMontoya]

I'm thinking that your CV shaft has worn out.....

Hmmm ... that definitely sounds like a possibility. When I took the wheel off to lube the e-brake the other day, I noticed that the boots covering both joints on the CV shaft were busted open. I also looked into the openings and felt around with my finger tips, and I couldn't detect any lubricant in the joints; the ball bearings where completely dry. I packed some high temperature bearing grease in there and slid the boots up to close the gaps a tiny bit; but, the noise has still continued.

How expensive and how difficult would it be to change out the CV shaft?

Are there any tests I can perform to substantiate whether the CV shaft is in fact the problem?

Thanks

 

[mike-81-240d]

Definitely thinking CV axles.

Does it make the noise in reverse as well? Mine clicked really bad going backwards slowly up my driveway before I replaced them.

 

[PlaneCrazy]

Mine only clicked going forward at road speeds. Worth investing in a specialist's services for replacing, and have the rear wheel bearings checked and/or replaced and diff oil replaced as well, since the diff has to get opened up in any case, and the rear wheel bearings are PITA to try and work on yourself. More money for parts, but less for labour.