Driveshafts or gearbox?

[CleMR2]

Hi guys, recently I've had a probably with intermittent loud clunking noises and it's clear that something is on the way out. I had a look under the car and noticed that the drivers side driveshaft inner boot was totally split so I had it replaced as per my previous post a few weeks back. Anyway, it hasn't made any difference and I think the clunking is getting worse now.

I had another look under the car yesterday and found that the new (second hand from TCB) driveshaft seems to have a small amount of play in it at the gearbox end, but that's nothing compared to the passenger side that literally rattles when I move it up and down. I just want to check with people how much play if any is acceptable or are they supposed to be rock solid?

The fact that both sides are playing up makes me think about the bearings in the diff which wouldn't surprise me as it's a rev1 box on a V6 (on my MK1). There is no play in the wheels and I'm confident in the suspension. Anyway, just trying to get a feel for what's wrong before taking it somewhere.

[_Al_]

Pretty sure there shouldn’t be any play in them. Let me see if I can check quickly.

[_Al_]

There’s a bit of play, approx the same either side in my 2GR with an E153 and zero play in my G-Ltd with the S54. There’s zero play on my MX5 for reference. None of the cars make a clunking noise.

[CleMR2]

Thanks for checking on a Sunday night, much appreciated. I checked my daily BMW and that had no play despite having more than 100k on the clock. I think it's just knowing whether it's shaft or gearbox and being able to test for it.

[_Al_]

If it was the gearbox wouldn’t you expect it to be leaking fluid? The CV joint seals are really easy to damage during installation so I’d expect it to be easy to leak if the shafts are rattling around at high speed?

#notanexpert

[CleMR2]

No sign of any leaks and the seals were replaced when the box was first fitted five years ago.

[_Al_]

That says to me that it’s most likely the CV joint itself. The boots failing also increases the chance of massive premature wear as grease gets out and salty water gets in. I think you’re in the market for some new ones..

[CleMR2]

I had another look at it today and the play on the passenger side is definately between the main shaft and the inner joint rather than the joint and the gearbox so i've ordered another driveshaft from TCB and will see how that goes.

[_Al_]

I was logging in to suggest doing exactly that check. Good luck!