Clink noise

[Carlow]

Hi Folks,

When I come off the clutch and the engine goes under load there is a small clink. Literally sounds like two wine bottles that tapped off each other.
I typically hear it whilst moving off in first. Seems to be coming from under the car but I cant be sure.

Any ideas?

[SLBMW]

Google drive shaft cowbell noise, you'll find a solution!

[Eja144]

My car made this noise for a while. Disappeared when I changed the transmission and diff fluids.

[STooK]

It's your drive shaft. Very common and I believe you have to either replace it or change out some bearing inside which I heard is a pain.

[S65 SCHNAUZER]

believe this is the center support bearing on the drive shaft

[Bubbles]

I just chased this down ended up being the center bearing. Not a tough fix.

[noremaC]

Originally Posted by Bubbles

I just chased this down ended up being the center bearing. Not a tough fix.

What was the end-to-end timing? Replace or grease anything else while you were in there?

[Bubbles]

Id replaced guibo, new bolts all around and grease the centering sleeve and spline. I replaced my cv joint and differential seal (had a small leak).

I did it in about five hours taking my time, but I can one hand my exhaust mid pipe (akra).

[amrazM]

Originally Posted by noremaC

What was the end-to-end timing? Replace or grease anything else while you were in there?

2 hours if youre a professional and the car isnt rusty.

labor time could feasibly run you 6-8hrs.

[noremaC]

Originally Posted by amrazM

2 hours if youre a professional and the car isnt rusty.

labor time could feasibly run you 6-8hrs.

Thanks. Trying to determine what is reasonable for a seasoned shop to quote.

[Carlow]

Originally Posted by Bubbles

Id replaced guibo, new bolts all around and grease the centering sleeve and spline. I replaced my cv joint and differential seal (had a small leak).

I did it in about five hours taking my time, but I can one hand my exhaust mid pipe (akra).

What were the symptoms before replacement. Was it just the clink noise or did u have any play or thud when powering through gears? Did it tighten up the feel of your drive?

[Bubbles]

Originally Posted by Carlow

What were the symptoms before replacement. Was it just the clink noise or did u have any play or thud when powering through gears? Did it tighten up the feel of your drive?

Clink noise and some vibration on acceleration. When on the lift, I could pull the driveshaft down (some play). After the center bearing replacement, no noise and driveshaft play was nearly eliminated.

[nyc_dude]

You guys are having a bad week...HaHa

I did the entire driveshaft replacement on my M3, since I have 190k miles on my ///M3. It might have been overkill. If you have less than 100k miles on your car, the most common solution is the center support bearing. It is a cheap part, but lots of labour to replace.

The flaw in the design of the BMW 2-piece drivershaft (used on most models) is the u-joint is not serviceable. If there is play and the u-joint makes noise (clink), you have to rebuild the driveshaft or replace it.

Turner Motorsports makes a remanufactured driveshaft with a serviceable u-joint.

This is the DCT model. Separate part for a 6-spd.
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...ission-032008/

Another option is to contact Deansbimmer (Mporium) in Texas. He can send a used driveshaft maybe with new components.

Just have your shop replace the Center Support Bearing and Guibo (rubber donut), plus all the bolts. They can put the car on the lift and rotate the rear wheels or the driveshaft to hear if the center bearing makes noise or has some play (up and down or right or left).

If you want to do a custom exhaust this would be the time. Also replace the DCT or 6 spd fluid and rear diff fluid. Transmission mounts are there too.

If you have vibration in the steering wheel, check the engine mounts, they fail at 80k-100k miles. If the engine sits low near the undertray where the oil drain plugs are, then the hydraulic engine mounts are blown.

Cheers

[nyc_dude]

Grab a bag of marshmellows for some grilling.

Use a press to remove the bearings...not a blow torch.

Cheers

[Bubbles]

Originally Posted by nyc_dude

Use a press to remove the bearings...not a blow torch.

Cheers

Agreed, I managed with a HF 5 ton gear puller.