Technical Clanging sound, 4x4

[pepita]

Another thread about odd sounds and Pandas... Bear with me.

The sound is a kind of metallic clanging, most noticeable at speeds over 40 km/h and there is also a clang when going over more aggressive bumps in the road (this may or may not be the same clanging, it sounds similar, but it is hard to compare a single “clang” from the constant clanging.). The sound is definitely not engine or gearbox related, same sound when in neutral. It is loud but not loud enough to hear without the windows open.

I have narrowed it down to running gear, exhaust, driveshaft and 4×4 mechanisms. Having had a look under the car, the exhaust seems attached to all the right places, with all the rubber attachments hooked up. There is nothing obviously loose on the brake assemblies, either.

On the 4×4 mechanism, there is some rotational give which gives off a similar clanging sound but I am not sure if this "give" is normal. If not, it could be the source of the problem. Here is a video, I would really appreciate your thoughts:

 

[The Panda Nut]

The free play would not worry me at that. It may be a little worn, but there will always be some movement. If teh noise is related to this you would hear a clonk as you lift off or step on the accelerator. I have heard broken springs on the front make a very odd metallic clank / rattle at that sort of speed.

 

[pepita]

The free play would not worry me at that. It may be a little worn, but there will always be some movement. If teh noise is related to this you would hear a clonk as you lift off or step on the accelerator. I have heard broken springs on the front make a very odd metallic clank / rattle at that sort of speed.

Thanks for your reply! Great point on the clonk as one accelerates – I suppose this would only happen if 4x4 is engaged? I need to go back and test that specifically, but you are probably right. If it was that, would it be some rubber part that is worn? I could not locate it on this diagram:

And thank you for your thesis on the springs. Is this the front suspension? Or these springs?

Generally, I had the impression that sound is coming from the rear, but it is quite hard to be sure since the vehicle is moving at speed.

 

[bruu]

Engine mounts? Worth checking.