Vibration then noises similar to metal rattling

[Superhux]

Hi there I have been sent from ExplorerOz over to here and now I feel at home lol...

I have a 300TDi with 290000km on the clock and last week I had a vibration that appeared at 40km/h and then again at about 70km/h, at first I thought it might have been the rubber coupling in the rear propshaft, which Ive experienced before, and then all of a sudden the vibration ceased and now I have what appears to be a metallic rattling in or around the gearbox/clutch...

If anyone could help; would a faulty clutch or gearbox present with these symptoms, if not, do you have any suggestions?

It is so far still driveable however I am getting more and more nervous.

Cheers,

Dave

[Tank]

I would check the uni-joints on the front tailshaft, esp. the one nearest the transfer case, if buggered fix straight away. if the tailsht comes adrift it can cause a hell of a lot of damage. if not, look to the clutch plate/throwout bearing, also check the handbrake drum isn't loose, Regards Frank.

[JDNSW]

As with Frank, it is most likely to be a U-joint, either worn or with flange bolts loose. This should be checked immediately (before further driving) and if this is the case rectified. You definitely do not want a U-joint letting go while driving. Particularly if it is the one at the rear of the front shaft (which is most likely, as I seem to remember hearing that the aircon condensed water drips onto it) this will probably cause major damage to the gearbox, transfer case and bodywork, and could cause injury if it penetrates the floor.

There are other possibilities, and I would also check for loose wheels.
John

[bigcarle]

i had that uni go on me in my 300TDi with a squeak and a little vibration but there was no movement at all in the uni when a shook it. finally found it by taking a small couple hundred metre drive first thing in the morning adn tried to shake the shaft to find the uni warm and all the others cold. apon removing i found it totally seized.
if it got loose there are plenty of expensive parts around there to damage

[Superhux]

The fault finally presented itself, and it was the U-Joint closest to the transfer case. I have since replaced the shaft as it was damaged, however I was lucky in that I was only doing about 5km/h when it let go...

So again thanks for all the information.

Cheers,

Hux