Mid throttle clunks - straight, or turning. Maybe going up hill slowly.

[Napalm]

OK so 2 years ago did some engine work - for bad lifters. Since then there has been a bit of a rattle when I go up my steep driveway that I attribute to exhaust leak. Hard to say.


BUT today romping it a touch to merge with traffic.

THUMP, THUMP ...... until I shifted into 2nd (automatic car) which is also when I let off the gas - say 35-40 mph.

nothing in not under throttle (that I can tell)

so parking lot at work. gentle throttle - nothing. gentle throttle turning left or right - nothing odd.

straight line mid throttle (say 33% pedal or so) - THUMP, THUMP . . . . . till I let off.

As soon as I get out of the gas - noise dies down or stops.


I read a thread that made it sound like diff bushings - makes some sense. I also have concerns over the guibos. (the rubber donuts).

Car is 10 years old or more, 170K on the clock. Diff fluid swapped out about 5 years ago or 80K. I know it's due- even said as such last week.

[Greg@PacePerformance]

mid throttle I would say the drive shaft carrier bearing.
-Greg

[Napalm]

Hearing a few video's on line I'm leaning towards the same. Especially with the age and time. Other thought was diff bushings but I'm going to start with the center bearing.

[-Ray-]

mid throttle I would say the drive shaft carrier bearing.
-Greg

This

[Napalm]

Thanks guys - question is that causing any damage?

I can't seem to get the part to me before Friday - it's supposedly shipped already.

I ordered the OE part from rock auto - almost took a chance on an aftermarket unknown brand part from another internet store something like driveline shop. They have them for G8, SS and GTO - surprisingly. And a number of others.

Also have either of you replaced the couplers on the ends? Those are about unobtainium too it seems.

[Greg@PacePerformance]

When I replaced the center bearing, I just reused the end couplers and bolts. The center bearing was completely free and thumping around on the wife's car for a few days before I could get to it.. I didn't see any extra damaged it caused so I think you will be fine.

You can use the 2010 Camaro SS drive shaft couplers. They are about the same just slightly larger in diameter.

-Greg

[Napalm]

Thank you sir. set my mind at ease.

I got thinking while I'm there and mucking with it those couplers are 10 years old and with some miles. I mean 20 years ago I would have traded/overhauled by U joints while taking the prop shaft out. But I guess I'll let them keep on truckin

[-Ray-]

Keep the same prop shaft orientation.

[Napalm]

indeed. I found a paint pen so I can mark both donuts and the center shaft.

I'm more concerned with mucking up a bolt

[Napalm]

got it fixed sunday.

pretty easy - exhaust is a touch heavy. Thankfully I had help and a lift and a press. you will need a press - beating the old bearing off wasn't happening. or well not fast.

new one on however - easy peasy.

had a little issue getting the new dust cover on the shaft - seems to be very tight ended up using the old one (metal dish collar) fit like a glove.

Thanks for the notes guys. There are some great videos of this also.