Bit of a driveshaft issue

[Mrk_Mickey]

I've put this question out to you lads because we're scratching our heads a bit with this one...My RHS driveshaft is fairly normal in most of its movements, and how much slack it has etc. It seems to be making noise though, and we think that there COULD be a problem, explained by this symptom:

When you grip the driveshaft and turn it backwards/forwards, there's a little bit of play before the wheel moves. It doesn't do it on the left wheel. You can turn the right wheel a little bit before the driveshaft moves.

To me, that says the joints are fugged. If the driveshaft is indeed the culprit I'll be replacing it this week, so can someone confirm that for me? Happy to answer any more questions

[VOLKSMAN]

that definetly sounds like your cvs teeth have worn out, .if you pull them out make sure you inspect the wheel bearings aswell because it might be the noise as well.

[Mrk_Mickey]

Oh it's very unlikely to be anything else as I've narrowed it all down.

I did the wheel bearings a few months ago; I've done the control arm bushes, checked over the ball joints, swaybar links and the struts. The only other things it could be are tie-rod ends or something on the driveshaft.

[mrlex]

What sides the gearbox on the vr6, dont you usually get a bit of play on the driveshaft that side? as for the noise ide say its the joints.

Edit: Is all the driveshaft lubed up etc..

[Mrk_Mickey]

Well the boots all look fine, and the gbox is on the left side of the engine bay, so the one making the noises is the longer one.

[mrlex]

Hmm..strange, its not bent is it, also its not lathing away on the chassis like martins(veedubs) one used to is it?

I found this info, not sure if its of any use...

Drive shaft noises are usually caused by worn U- joints, slip joint wear, or a faulty center support bearing. Drive shaft noises and possible causes are as follows:

· Grinding and squeaking from the drive shaft is frequently caused by worn universal joints. The joints become dry, causing the rollers to wear. The unlubricated, damaged rollers then produce a grinding or squeaking sound, as they operate on the scored cap and cross surfaces.

· A clunking sound, when going from acceleration to deceleration or deceleration to acceleration, may be caused by slip yoke problems. The splines may be worn. The yoke transmission extension housing bushing may also be worn. This will let the yoke move up and down with changes in drive line torque. An excessively worn U-joint or differential problem can also cause a similar noise.

· A whining sound from the drive shaft is sometimes caused by a dry, worn center support bearing. Since this bearing makes complete revolutions. it will make a different sound than a bad universal joint. A high pitched. More constant, whine will usually come from a faulty center support bearing.

[Mrk_Mickey]

Nice find dude!

It isn't bent, and as far as I can see it's not rubbing on anything either. My problem sounds like the second one in that list, but...what the hell is a slip yoke? Sounds like a slimey egg to me.

[mrlex]

Lol..im not sure either, i have a feeling you get them on larger vehicles etc...

But if its clunking on acceleration and decelerarion, theres obviously unnecessary play in the driveshaft.

[Mrk_Mickey]

That's what I'm thinking too. New driveshaft it is!

Thanks guys.

[gldgti]

Drive shaft noises are usually caused by worn U- joints, slip joint wear, or a faulty center support bearing. Drive shaft noises and possible causes are as follows:

· Grinding and squeaking from the drive shaft is frequently caused by worn universal joints. The joints become dry, causing the rollers to wear. The unlubricated, damaged rollers then produce a grinding or squeaking sound, as they operate on the scored cap and cross surfaces.

· A clunking sound, when going from acceleration to deceleration or deceleration to acceleration, may be caused by slip yoke problems. The splines may be worn. The yoke transmission extension housing bushing may also be worn. This will let the yoke move up and down with changes in drive line torque. An excessively worn U-joint or differential problem can also cause a similar noise.

· A whining sound from the drive shaft is sometimes caused by a dry, worn center support bearing. Since this bearing makes complete revolutions. it will make a different sound than a bad universal joint. A high pitched. More constant, whine will usually come from a faulty center support bearing.

that info pertains to the tailshaft of a RWD vehicle.