[Transmission] Nasty clunking

[norstar711]

Good Day, I have been trying to cure nasty noises on my 2004 1.4 Berlingo MPV but have, so far, had only limited success. Does anyone out there have any similar experiences or suggestions?
Originally, it made an horrible clunking noise which seemed more pronounced on left hand turns. This seemed an easy cure: driveshaft/ CV joint. A replacement unit was sourced from a reputable breaker and fitted along with the matching wheel hub/ wheel bearing unit. The parts being fitted looked good but, worryingly, the parts being replaced looked OK too! The CV joint and driveshaft mid bearing didn't seem worn and the wheel bearing being replaced also seemed to rotate without graunching at all.
So it didn't come as much of a surprise when the fault remained....although it does seem a little better. Here are the symptoms:

• Clunking noise when accelerating, may be more pronounced in low gears.
  
• NO clunking noise when driving at a steady speed
  
• NO clunking noise in reverse
  
• NO clunking noise when not in gear (i.e. when coasting)
  
• Clunking noise is NOT more pronounced when turning in either direction
  
• Clunking noise not related to road surface.
  

That leaves me thinking that it could still be a driveshaft OR might just be a weak engine/gearbox/driveshaft carrier mounting. This rubber mount doesn't look great but I'm having trouble locating a replacement. Would appreciate any comments !

[brodfather11]

I'd be looking more at the engine/gearbox mountings as when not under drive strain there is no noise.

Check all three mountings as if one is worn, then the other two soon follow. Check for witness marks on the mountings/body as these give a clue which one is the most worn.

[norstar711]

I'd be looking more at the engine/gearbox  mountings as when not under drive strain there is no noise.  

Check all three mountings as if one is worn, then the other two soon follow.  Check for witness marks on the mountings/body as these give a clue which one is the most worn.

Thanks, it does seem to be a good possibility. I ordered a replacement mounting but, when it arrived, it wasn't the right part. I'll try again!

[Col]

As above, but bottom wishbone bushes or any of the ball joints could also cause this.

[geoff]

Clunking ???
A single clunk or
Multiple clunks - such as present with every turn of the wheel, does it get faster as the speed increases ???

Is the MOT due soon ? If so get it done early as it will give you a free diagnosis of what is good or bad and may save you a lot of work and wasted time and money. Or just get the garage to put it on a ramp for 10 mins, sometimes free if you know them or a tenner for a look and chat which can be quite productive. Just my thoughts as using S/H parts can be a nightmare sometimes.

[Ewanm77]

bolts on the subframe mine used to knock on all the time when you accelerated, braked or went over bumps tightened them and no more noises

[norstar711]

As above, but bottom wishbone bushes or any of the ball joints could also cause this.

Thanks, they all seem OK and there's no noise when the car is coasting or driving at a steady pace even over our locally (very) bumpy roads.

[norstar711]

Clunking ???  
A single clunk or
Multiple clunks - such as present with every turn of the wheel, does it get faster as the speed increases ???

Is the MOT due soon ?  If so get it done early as it will give you a free diagnosis of what is good or bad and may save you a lot of work and wasted time and money. Or just get the garage to put it on a ramp for 10 mins, sometimes free if you know them or a tenner for a look and chat which can be quite productive. Just my thoughts as using S/H parts can be a nightmare sometimes.

Not a regular clunking, but multiple clunks when accelerating (especially in low gears, but not in reverse). I'm not sure it does increase with speed, but I'll have a check on that.
The MoT idea is probably the way to go - as you say secondhand parts are doubtful at times. Thanks for your thoughts, Geoff.

[norstar711]

bolts on the subframe mine used to knock on all the time when you accelerated, braked or went over bumps tightened them and no more noises

Thanks, there is definitely one dodgy mounting which may produce the nasty noises when accelerating. I don't get noises on braking or over bumps but I'll get all the bolts tightened up!

[Ewanm77]

if you can see a bolt tighten it