VY SS Clicking noise

[vy2002]

Hey guys

plz have a listen to this recording



VY SS Commodore clicking noise - YouTube

(fast forward 30 seconds into the video)

This noise is very intermittent, and can come and go at any time.

Happens more so when driving in a straight line (and continues if turning as well), so unsure if it is driveshaft/cv related.

Appears to change with different acceleration (faster and slower)

Also I can be driving at 50km/h with this noise occurring, whack it straight into Neutral, and the noise appears to stop

Then as quickly as it appears, it disappears

Ive had the car at 2 mechanics. Of course I was unable to replicate the issue, due to its intermittent nature - as such, the car could only be checked 'as is' without the noise occurring.

Exhaust, engine mounts etc. were checked. Shocks, bushes etc. were checked. The donut coupling thing on the tailshaft was checked and to be in good condition. No loose heatshields could be found, and none obstructing the exhaust.

I showed the mechanic the noises, and he said it would only be CV joints if it only occurs only when turning - however in my case it doesnt care when it occurs - most of the time im driving straight when the noise appears.

I put my head out the window and more than certain its coming from the rear of the car

Im a bit over it and was just going to change over a new part at a time, as the noise does not appear to be more frequent or worsening. In your opinions, what do you think the noise is? CVs??

[MMWS6]

They check backing plates? Sounds very external to me. Can you get a picture of the underside rear of the car. Like to see how it is set up

[ls1gino]

ohhh i love these ones!! guess the noise!

my guess is something in the driveline, if you wreckon the clicking stops when its in neutral that suggests diff or cvs to me

However as MMWS6 says it does sound external kind of a more tiny raspy noise

best bet, put it on stands SAFELY chuck it in drive and get someone to spin them up and have a listen while your underneath with stethoscope or even a screwdriver

Good luck, and let us know!

cheers,
Gino

[jackvz]

Sounds like the CV's - are you getting any vibrations through the drive line?

[vy2002]

thanks for the input


MMWS6 - im sorry, which backing plate are you referring to? Do you want a photo around the diff / exhaust area?

ls1gino - already been on a hoist, accelerating. As mentioned though, because the issue is intermittent - the mechanic is never able to hear it in action. When the problem isnt happening, the cars silent

jackvz - no vibration when it occurs - I assume this eliminates tailshaft?

[ls1gino]

ls1gino - already been on a hoist, accelerating. As mentioned though, because the issue is intermittent - the mechanic is never able to hear it in action.

you say its intermittent.. does it only not make noise on a hoist ie no load? does it make noise everytime its driven on the roads? does it make the noise in reverse?

Cheers,
Gino

[Micks]

Might be a long shot have a look @ the clearance between your rear discs & the sheet metal backing plates. That's if they're installed!
Had the same problem with my old Y & was just a matter of widening the air gap with a large screw driver to overcome the problem.
Good luck with a solution.

[Micks]

Other thing to check, on the Y's the factory cats are gearbox supported & not unusual for the bracket to crack & cause noise!

[MMWS6]

Like Micks there, Im thinking backing plates for the rotors/brakes, if your model has them

[jackvz]

thanks for the input


MMWS6 - im sorry, which backing plate are you referring to? Do you want a photo around the diff / exhaust area?

ls1gino - already been on a hoist, accelerating. As mentioned though, because the issue is intermittent - the mechanic is never able to hear it in action. When the problem isnt happening, the cars silent

jackvz - no vibration when it occurs - I assume this eliminates tailshaft?

The tailshaft would give off some vibration if something was wrong. Try having a look at this from DBA as its a common problem http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JutdkAq0lDg they say it makes an audible ticking noise and its intermittent - apparently the pads can move around when the this bracket is not adjusted.

[vy2002]

ls1gino - regarding intermittent. it can happen once a day for a couple of minutes, or can happen once every 2-3 days. Then it goes away after a couple minutes. Because I cant replicate it, I cant comment on whether load is a factor. By the time I try to get to a workshop, the noise disappears again, so the noise isnt there before it even gets onto the hoist. Next time it happens, ill pull over and try going in reverse to see if it happens

Micks - good thinking on the cats support brace - i did check that beforehand, and ensured the bolts on both sides were nice and tight. No cracks etc that I can see. Ill check out to see if it has backing plates on the rear rotors though

[ls1gino]

ahhh that kind of intermittent.. the tricky one! im intrigued now!

one other thing.. is it always consistent with road speed? that should help narrow it down

let us know what you find

Cheers,
Gino

[matt87]

I have a pretty similar issue atm, same noise that speeds up when you accelerate but as soon as you put the clutch in it stops or in neutral it stops, can you tell if cv's are no good visually?

[vy2002]

Sorry for the very belated response

UPDATE: Solved - rear right CV shaft replaced, hasnt returned again

[Micks]

That 2 1/2 years went fast