I have posted in the past about a noise coming from the rear end of my car, thinking it was one of my axleshafts. Well, when I was coming out of the grocery store earlier, I noticed one of my exhaust donuts had broken.

I went to the local McParts store, which was closed. I went to another one that I knew was open. I bought a rubber exhaust hanger, only to find out that it was the wrong type. Thats when I found out that I needed 2 hangers...


Anywayz, to make a long story short, Could a sagging exhaust cause noises that sound like an axleshaft going bad?

The axleshaft on the driver side of the car is a rebuilt one......

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1983 Mercedes 300D
Atlanta, GA

I imagine that it could...

Keep an eye out for cracks due to metal fatigue as well, particularly where the pipe bends.

- Patrick

PS - when you jack up your car, do you have any "rotational play" in your axels? I do in mine, and it makes a hell of a clunk if I don't shift easy. I suspect an axle shaft needs replacing, and it might be something you should check for on your car, too.

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1982 240D. 198k, Marine Blue/Blue, 4 Speed, Crank Windows, No Sunroof, No Rust, No Oil Leaks
2001 TDI. 197k, Lagoon Blue/Black, 5 speed, Chip, G60/VR6

it could be dragging against the axle... the exhaust.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Hey,
Yes, it will definitely make noise as it bounces up and down against the stop.
The donut you want looks like a figure 8. Auto parts stores will just give you the round one and claim that it's OEM.
You can use the O one until you get the proper replacement. Crimp the middle together with a wire to hold it on temporarily.

You can check the muffler and pipes for damage but I don't think you'll find anything. Those pipes are pretty sturdy.
Don't ask me how I know all this.

Danny

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1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles

OBK member #23

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I dont know if I have any roataional play in the axles, but I do get the clunk noise when I speed up and slow down. I am also getting the noise that sounds like the exhaust is dragging on something under the car while I drive, that could also be mistaken for a bad axleshaft. I did put a rebuilt axleshaft on that side of the car (driver side, same side as the exhaust).

I am going to the McParts store this afternoon to see if they have any usable exhaust hangers in stock. Once I get them, I will see if that takes care of at least part of the noise.... Then I will be able to better judge any other noises coming from the back of the car...

Thanks for the replies so far......

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1983 Mercedes 300D
Atlanta, GA

Well, I finally found the root of all my noisy rear end problems....


The drooping exhaust has beaten the heck out of my axleshaft. The end of the axleshaft that goes into the differential is beat up and dented, and looks like it even has a hole in it. The easy part has been taken care of(exhaust problem) but now I have to get the money to replace the axleshaft (again)

Im going to try and find a decent used axle somewhere local here.

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1983 Mercedes 300D
Atlanta, GA

wait and see... the dents might not cause any problem. the hole is in a place that can let grease out? if it is you might be able to clean it and epoxy. in my experience the used axle shaft is not the way to go... i now always use rebuilt. not much more $ and very available for the 123.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.