clunk when letting out clutch 240D
 

about 20k miles ago, i replaced the original axles(the 240d now has about 213k on it) -- it seems that ever since i did, i have this "clunk" in the rear when i go into gear from a stop -- i've tried to really baby the clutch, to minimize it as i pull away from a stop -- i looked for play, all i found was a torn driveshaft center support, so i replaced that, but no luck, still clunks -- these are chinese axles -- once i'm moving down the road, everythings fine -- has anyone else experienced this? -- maybe i missed a bad flex disc?

A clunk ANY TIME the clutch is engaged? Or just after backing up?

A clunk when forward gear, how about reverse?

Could be slop in the diff gears, yoke nut loose, or flex disk slop.

I’d get a go pro and a magnetic mount, then engage clutch and see what moves.

Maybe jack everything up and turn the shaft by hand.

Did you replace the flex disks? Did you reuse the flex disk bolts?

it happens anytime after a stop, engaging in first or reverse
i examined the flex discs when i replaced the driveshaft center support, and i just jacked up and examined the shaft, universal, discs, not seeing any extra play -- i did not replace the flex disc bolts
"slop in the diff gears, yoke nut loose" - no, not seeing anything excessive
thanks for the ideas

Try very thoroughly removing everything from the trunk and test driving. Could be something rolling/shifting.

The control rod from the rear torsion bar to the rear axle (Item 23 in the EPC link below)
can fail and result in a clunk.

https://nemigaparts.com/cat_spares/epc/mercedes/1/fg/123123/68k/32/165/

This happened to "Desert Rose" back in 2019.
https://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/3977983-post1.html

i'll have a look, but sounds like your clunk was on a slow turn -- i don't get that, i only have it from a dead stop, so sounds unlikely -- but thanks