Grinding Noise, Driveshafts?

[Ratty]

Hello all,

 

The RatMobile (aka ZX 1.9 normally aspirated deisel, 139K) is making it's presence felt again.

 

This time the issue is a pronounced grinding noise heard (but not always) from the front of the car when cornering sharply. I had sworn it was coming from the LHS but on a rare trip in the passenger seat it seemed to come from the RHS so I guess it must be coming from the middle of the engine bay (Meerschaum and deerstalker for me, eh?).

 

Also over the past few trips I believe I can feel a slight vibration through the floor when accelerating at low speed or from stationary.

 

From what I have gleaned this is probably trouble in the driveshaft CV joints. However, as the blasted things are about £80 a pop, plus a gear-box worth of oil, I am keen to be certain before I shell out.

 

Can anyone give me any good tips to definitively determine that a driveshaft is dead and if so whether I am as well to change one or both.

 

Many thanks,

Ratty

[Guest Chris N]

Hello all,

 

The RatMobile (aka ZX 1.9 normally aspirated deisel, 139K) is making it's presence felt again.

 

This time the issue is a pronounced grinding noise heard (but not always) from the front of the car when cornering sharply. I had sworn it was coming from the LHS but on a rare trip in the passenger seat it seemed to come from the RHS so I guess it must be coming from the middle of the engine bay (Meerschaum and deerstalker for me, eh?).

 

Also over the past few trips I believe I can feel a slight vibration through the floor when accelerating at low speed or from stationary.

 

From what I have gleaned this is probably trouble in the driveshaft CV joints. However, as the blasted things are about £80 a pop, plus a gear-box worth of oil, I am keen to be certain before I shell out.

 

Can anyone give me any good tips to definitively determine that a driveshaft is dead and if so whether I am as well to change one or both.

 

Many thanks,

Ratty

 

You'll know when they are totally shot , go into a car park and slowly go round at full lock if the cv joints are gone they will make a hell of a knocking sound. I've never actually looked at mine but i assume if you take the driveshaft in question by the hand and give it a good shake you should be able to feel the play. £80 is a bit steep , for an Ax i got a pair for £40 (used)

 

Chris

[Ratty]

Cheers Chris, used would indeed be a good option as new shafts would almost certainly outlast the car. I shall look into it.

 

Thanks,

Ratty