does this sound like driveshaft/cv joint?

[The Edge]

My ZX has developed a knocking noise when going round bends at speed with the gas on. it was only doing it on left turns but now it's doing it on right hand ones in sympathy!

My first thought was CV joint, but it doesn't do it on tight full lock circles. It does creak but no rhythmic knocking noises that you normally associate with driveshafts. The knocking seems to start at about a third to a half turn on the wheel.

Could it be a steering componant or is it the CV joints in their early death throes?

Thanks

 

[The Edge]

bump

 

[Lopéz]

Hi

It could well be a CV joint but there are a number of things that make similar bumps/noises.

First test for CV joint, put it on full lock and drive round slowly in a big circle, with the window wound down. Stick your head out the window and listen for the rhythmic "click click click" - if you don't hear it, CV joint is unlikely.

Second test is (sounds daft) but make sure the wheels are on tight, they can and do work loose. I'm sure I don't need to tell you how to check this but it often gets overlooked! While you're at it, check the hub nut - as if these work loose you get a similar clunking.

If it isn't either of those, being a ZX you could easily be looking at dead top mounts or more likely drop links.

As ever, with noises, it's really hard to pin down the culprit, especially over the internet!

 

[Gaijin]

I would say ARB droplinks however, my friend had a 300ZX and also experienced a noise. He had it checked out and turns out there was a problem with the hub and the wheel wasn't far away from coming right off!

I can't remember the exact problem, but I think it was because the threads on the hub bolts had become trashed somehow. Definately worth checking.

 

[The Edge]

It's just flown an MOT with no advisories

It doesn't do it on tight circles, as i said only with about a third to a half turn on the wheel.

I'll check the wheelnuts at lunchtime

 

[kaiowas]

I would say ARB droplinks however, my friend had a 300ZX and also experienced a noise. He had it checked out and turns out there was a problem with the hub and the wheel wasn't far away from coming right off!

I can't remember the exact problem, but I think it was because the threads on the hub bolts had become trashed somehow. Definately worth checking.

Heh, I had similar on one of my MR2s. The back end had gone a bit wandery at speed and on investigation it turned out the tip of the driveshaft had somehow broken off (Taking the hub nut with it) this in turn had trashed the wheel bearing and the only thing holding the entire wheel/hub onto the car was that the brake disc is captive between the between the pads.

 

[The Edge]

Well the wheels are plenty tight enough.

It really does have that classic driveshaft sound but doesn't do it at full lock, only at speed driving round a bend. Is it possible the CV joint might be a bit dry?
You can feel it through the steering.
Ta