240D right rear noise

[kolotour]

Hello all,

I've got a 1981 240D. 200K plus miles (odometer broken). Starting to hear a "thud-a-bump" noise from the right rear during first few miles of operation. Sounds like something is rolling around in the trunk. Noise stops after a bit of driving. Maybe the CV joint?

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by kolotour

Hello all,

I've got a 1981 240D. 200K plus miles (odometer broken). Starting to hear a "thud-a-bump" noise from the right rear during first few miles of operation. Sounds like something is rolling around in the trunk. Noise stops after a bit of driving. Maybe the CV joint?

It actually could be something in the Trunk.

When I have had that sort of sound the most frequent reason was the tire had developed a tread separation. Fill the tire up to the right presser and inspect it and take id for a short drive. Before doing that inspect the Axle boots for wet oil and or cracks and tears. If you have tears or oil leakage out of the boot it could be the axle.

Also, while you are under there look at both flex discs and the driveshaft support bearing.

Next check would be the end play of the rear hub. Too much and you have a rear wheel bearing issue.

There is a centering bearing on each flex disc end. I have not read of what happens if they are too worn. If you grab the drive shaft and push side to side, there should not be much side play. However, as I said I have not read how to test for that.

Some pics of cracking flex discs.
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