FWD Driveshaft issues?

[wagonist]

I've got a knocking noise coming from the front of my car. 9I can feel it through my feet too)
It happens on constant or trailing throttle only, but not under brakes or acceleration.

The front driveshafts are still original & have had the boots replaced once in their 167 000km life. (this is why I'm thinking it's them that's the problem)

Is there a way to check for slack, etc without climbing into the engine bay while its driving?

Oh, & don't say its the front wheel bearing because they were replaced less than 6 months ago.

[slide86]

i guess the only way to check for "slack" would be to get under the car and try to rotate the shafts with the wheels still on the ground.
also try to move the shafts from side to side to see if there is excessive movement there.

do they make a clicking type sound when you turn and accelerate at lower speeds. this is a definete sign that the CV joints are gone.

although you had new boots fitted, the damage could have already been done when the old ones were on. ie water and dirt entering joint.

maybe also get the front end bushes and sus checked out......

[wagonist]

Getting under y car is a mission in itself

A clicking noise is a sign that the outer CVs are gone (usually the first as they have to cope with turning as well as up & down. It isn't doing this.

I suspect if it weas the bushes, it was also make the noise under gentle acceleration & braking, which it doesn't. Front struts are almost gone & the front springs have sagged like you wouldn't believe, but they don't feel like they would be causing this noise/feeling.

Unless the outer CV is really rooted, the shaft isn"t going to move in & out, or even rotate.

I could hold the shaft still & try to rotate the inner CV cup though to see fi there's anything worn.

Thing is that I don't know how much slack is in the diff either, seeing as it only occurs in a straight line when the diff isn't actually doing anything.

Anyone feel free to just chip in here. This is a thinking out loud exercise.

BTW I'm thinking it the inner CVs because I get the feeling through my left foot. The rear engine mount is bolted to the gearbox bellhousing, which is pretty much right beside the diff. And that's all in line with the passenger's right foot. The mount is bolted to a crossmember running under the bottom of the firewall.

[Roundy]

I had this on my 185, it was the inner CV joint that was rooted.

Had to replace the driveshaft, but it was all good after that!

I hope u can find one if it is the Caldina (you do have a caldina don't you? )

[wagonist]

Teh Caldina should be the same as a Camry or Celica, though my driveshafts aren't the equal length type which has an external carrier bolted to the block (though I love to change it, might get rid of some of the torque steer)
If its only the inner CVs, then I should be able to simply buy the inners & not have to replace the entire shaft.