drivetrain play/wear

[Huw Powell]

> In my attempts to restore my 87 4kcsq to at least
> factory conditions I am now turning to the drivetrain.
>
> Somewhere in the drivetrain, there are worn parts
> which cause a noticable play in the drivetrain.  The
> familiar knock noise comes from the rear of the car at
> the points of throttle repsonse, however the front
> does not seem to pull forward before this happens.
> Where is the wear?

two places that come to mind.  One is the plethora of bushings and
mounts used in the suspension and drivetrain - subframe bushings,
control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, etc.  Engine mounts, tranny
mounts, rear diff mounts.  Strut bearings, ball joints, tie rod ends and
mounts.

Then there is the sad and simple fact of wear in rotating parts - a
little lash developed in the numerous CV joints and differential gears
can create a fair amount of play between, say, a front left and rear
right wheel.

So you work through the top list, making sure everything is snug and
tight, this should eliminate most clunky type noises.  Then see if there
is actual driveline play still remaining to bother you and decide if it
is worth trying to fix.

--
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi/

http://www.humanthoughts.org/