Technical Propshaft Question

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Technical Propshaft Question

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Aug 20, 2015
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Hello again all! I'm back with yet another question for those more knowledgeable than I.

For ages now my car has had a metallic rattle which increases with engine load and revs. It does it when the car is stationary and when moving. I just assumed it was some part of the exhaust or perhaps a loose washer or bolt on the sump guard or something like that, as I said it's pretty much always done it.

Then last weekend when we were hitting the trails I realised that it stops making that noise entirely if you put it into 4x4. I since investigated a little further and you can make it stop by slightly pulling on the 4WD lever without actually properly engaging 4WD, so that sounds like something might be slack somewhere?

If you try to drive like that though, it jolts itself into 4WD in the end so that's no solution. I also noticed that you can hear further rattling about in 2WD which again I thought sounded like exhaust originally and repeatedly checked it. I'm now thinking it must be the prop rattling about when it's not under load?

Not had chance to get under the car yet to look but thought I'd solicit the wisdom of the Panda druids first - sound familiar to anyone?
 
It will be the CV joints on the front section of the prop. Removing and repacking with fresh grease will quiet them down for a while, but it depends how warn they are as for how long it will last. All the ones I have seen have been worn to some degree, purely because most if the time there is no load so they are free to vibrate.

If you bang the front section of the prop with your fist you should be able to replicate the sound.
 
Mine gaiters were done 2 years ago and still in tip-top condition, definately time to re-pack with grease.
IMG_2235.JPG
 
Word of warning to the unwary, as I was years ago.

If you dis-assemble the joint completely and remove all the balls it is possible to build it back together incorrectly.

If you do it will make the most horrible noise and won,t flex correctly.

I suggest you mark both faces so you can't get the inner and outer cases in the wrong place or back to front

Dave
 
Hmm, could be - basically I have two noises. One is the metallic rattling which happens all the time including when stationary, but one is a clunking while driving which sounds the same as if the exhaust is loose but is definitely prop related and this noise happens over bumps. Both disappear in 4WD. I will check it out!

It is quite amusing that the car is more refined when driving over boulders and in deep mud than on the high street...
 
Can anyone recommend a good source (other from an expensive FIAT dealer) for replacing the rubber bellows on the prop couplings?

Also the protective rubber gaiter for the gear lever linkage for that matter.

Thanks.
 
Propshaft CV boot - Ebay.it
http://www.ebay.it/itm/FIAT-PANDA-4-X-4-CUFFIA-GIUNTO-ALBERO-TRASMISSIONE-PER-RIF-ORIGINALE-5978959-/180895228007?hash=item2a1e322067:m:mcpW4lvjBB6g_bxOKtfN63A


Gear lever lower boot - Wantnuts, ebay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAT-PANDA-1000CC-4X4-GEAR-LEVER-LINKAGE-GAITER-/331848037473?hash=item4d43af3461:g:BZEAAOSw2GlXKjdq

Check with Italian seller as they might have the gear lever boot as well.


Ps. Fiat dealer isn't expensive, i.e. gear linkage bushes are the cheapest you can get and best quality.
 
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Thank you Mr Kolza, really helpful. I sent you a pm about something else meantime without realising you answered half my questions already here. Joel
 
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