Symtoms of a drive shaft on the way out?

[andrewrobert87]

I've been having a strange wurring sound from the car in the last 2 weeks, took it to my mate, he jacked it up, woobled the wheels to and frow, spun them and couldnt notice the sound but its deff still there when driving.

when speeding up gets worse untill around 60 and it seems to go away.

happens when coasting out of gear

can hear it sort of 'wind down' when breaking or coming to a stop (sort of noise the washing machine makes when slowing down from a spin)

any ideas? Im having ball joints, ARB bushes and spring fitted tomorrow so i might ask him to have a poke about again when hes under the car.

 

[johnnyd]

Cant comment on whether this is a drive shaft problem or not but my car makes this noise. Its very noticeable when in gear but not on the throttle at all rpm. It gets louder the higher the rpm and is still present when reving the engine in neutral when coasting along or stationary. I believe the engine has done this since having my cambelt changed. I could be wrong about that though.

It doesnt seem to be a symptom of a problem due to doing it for ages and nothing breaking. I really wish it could be fixed though because i hate the sound and find it annoying.

 

[Silent_Scone]

That sounds like gearbox bearing, normally the diff bearing. Gearbox refurb time if so unfortunately. Not uncommon.


Or, more commonly wheel bearings. If you're lucky

 

[andrewrobert87]

Is there any certain way of telling if it is the gearbox bearing? Is the diff bearing the part that attaches to the drive shaft ?

 

[Lil-slugger]

It will more than likeley be a wheel bearing, but like said, is possible that it could be a gear box issue.

One way to tell is get a mechanic to get it on the ramp and get the good old mechanics stephoscope on it to ditermine where the noise is coming from

 

[andrewrobert87]

If it is the wheel bearing, shouldn't there be some play in the wheel? Also, if it is the gearbox, isit a total referb jobbie? Off the car and send it away lol

 

[Lil-slugger]

Not always the case, they can have a rough spot or just be dry.
Done an astra and a c3 this year which both had no play but werring noise after 20mph + onwards getting louder with speed.
Also if you turn a certain way on the steering wheel and it fades away while steering that way then more likely a wherl bearing.

As far as im aware if it is box yes, because all bearings in box will more than likely be pressed

 

[Silent_Scone]

Just get it looked at, take it back to where you had the belts done.

 

[andrewrobert87]

going there today to have rear dampers, springs, ball joints and ARB bushes fitted. ill ask him to have a look at the shafts and bearings