Aussieveedubbers 路 Tech Talk

Kombi clack, clack, clack!

https://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/threads/86649/kombi-clack-clack-clack

jamsha71 路

Hi all,
I wonder if anyone has experienced this before.

I'm looking at buying a 1973 Kombi. When I took it for a test drive I heard a worrying noise, possibly from the gearbox. It came and went in between acceleration and coast, but not when accelerating or coasting - does that make sense?

As my title suggests, it was a clack, clack, clack, clack, clack sound and it seemed to do it in all four gears.

The gearbox also pops out of first if it's not held in, but I don't think this is related.

Any help appreciated!

vwsteve 路

i think they left the vw factory like that mate, nah just kidding
no idea really, they all make a strange noise these days, thats what the radio is for馃槀

jamsha71 路

Bugger, I did note that there was no radio!

Maybe I'll just hafta sing really loud.

matberry 路

Sounds like CV'c although often the noise is mire pronounced at higher load, it's possible under the transition of power, depending on the exact nature of the wear.

As for 'they all have strange noises'.....well maybe true for some, doesn't mean it's normal tho, or good for that matter.

Grey 57 路

clack clack could be a CV joint.
Poping out of 1st is not so good. Might be gear lever adjustment, easy fix, or worn gears hubs, synchros, main bearings not so easy and an exy fix.
good news is you have to undo the CV's to get the gear box out so you can fix it all in one pass 馃憤

jamsha71 路

Hmmm, I don't think it's the CVs.

I'm familiar with the sound of shot CVs, which is a bit more dull than the one I experienced the other day. CV noise is also more apparent when cornering, and the clack, clack, clack, clack, clack is happening in a straight line.

Good thoughts though. I only wish I could record the sound!

Grey 57 路

jamsha71 wrote:Hmmm, I don't think it's the CVs.

I'm familiar with the sound of shot CVs, which is a bit more dull than the one I experienced the other day. CV noise is also more apparent when cornering, and the clack, clack, clack, clack, clack is happening in a straight line.

Good thoughts though. I only wish I could record the sound!
only in front wheel drivers because of the angles they pass thru. Easy to check, jack it up on the side where the clack is coming from and spin the wheel.

greedy53 路

jack the back up qand turn the rear wheels see if yo can hear it

vlad01 路

I bet it would be the main pinion bearing in the box.

I know as it happen to me with these exact symptoms.

The gearbox was destroyed 馃檯 馃憤馃檮

waveman1500 路

My IRS Beetle makes these noises and I'm pretty sure it's CVs. Turning makes no difference to RWD CVs as they don't turn. The noise in mine is quite sharp and pronounced, but goes away intermittently for no obvious reason.

helbus 路

I would go with the shot CV's. Yeah again, they dont need to turn to clack, as they are on the rear

jamsha71 路

Had a chat with the seller today and have been told that the engine just blew! Likely to be a big end bearing apparently.

Just when I was about to make an offer. 馃檨

Anyone trying to get rid of a Kombi motor???

Grey 57 路

should be able to pick it up for peanuts now. Buggered gearbox and engine. make a cheeky offer based on the money you will have to spend to put it right taken away from what you were willing to pay originally ..

helbus 路

Gearbox $1500
Motor $3000
suspension, brakes, CV joints etc

Offer $1300 and see how you go.

Grey 57 路

helbus wrote:Gearbox $1500
Motor $3000
suspension, brakes, CV joints etc

Offer $1300 and see how you go.
Get a pretty decent Subi conversion for that money Pete 馃槑

jamsha71 路

Hmmmmm....Subi conversion???

Nah, couldn't bring myself to do it.

helbus 路

Even if you go the Subi conversion, you still run the VW box and CV's, so you have to replace them anyway. Unless you go for the Subi 5 speed conversion.

Anyway do you have $10K spare to do it all?