Clonky/clattery drivetrain at a slow crawl (BW35)

mrtask

mrtask

Well-Known Member
Sometimes, but by no means always, my car sounds really clattery/clonky when I'm crawling in a slow moving jam or burbling through a 10 kmh zone. Also, at idle at a standstill, it occasionally, but not always, 'shunts' or 'judders' in D with the brake applied. I just hoisted the car up on my lift for a look-see, and with the box in neutral I can turn the prop a fair amount before it engages. How much free play should there be? How do I determine if the prop is knackered? Can the BW35 start to 'come apart' internally? It just feels like there's something working loose somewhere, but I can't find it...
 
This may not help, but I recently found that an occasional clattering sound on my 4-cyl P6 was caused by two loose bolts that hold the rubber bush at the front of the differential extension. The large bolt through the bush was tight but the bush holder was able to move about.
 
I " enjoyed" the experience once of testing a used P6 that was advertised locally where the bolt holding the front of the diff extension was missing altogether , the noise when lifting off the throttle was horrendous, very well worth looking at the diff end. Is the oil level correct in your auto box? Play in the propshaft usually shows up in being able to move the UJ about when pushed ,pulled or rotated, there should be none.
 
I am experiencing the same type of issue you are describing and after checking the trans mounts, motor mounts, exhaust system, prop u-joints and drive u-joints it seems to be the prop u-joints . (In the US we call that the 'drive shaft'.) Harveyp6 set me right on the nomenclature so hopefully that's all clear. I also found the exhaust system, near where they cross, there was a loose connection where it connects to the trans. I ordered the u-joints and have hopes this will take care of the issue.
 
Appreciate the advice guys. Closely inspected the mounts above the Diff and the plate too, all ok. My money is on the UJ at the front of the prop. I'm going to swap in a spare prop this coming Saturday. Hope you get your issue sorted out Gary. When you do, why not pop in on Jay Leno. I'd like to see you and your car on his show!
 
mrtask, Thanks for the good wishes, I'm hoping for the best. Hope you get your sorted as well. BTW, I did run into Leno at a Malibu Cars & Coffee and he was on me as soon as I pulled in to the parking area. He said he hadn't seen one in years and was surprised at what good nick the car was in. However, no invites to the show.........:(
 
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