drive train rattle/clunk

[Trabots]

I have a 2003 Holden Ute (Aussie El Camino) 6speed LS1 which has the same drivetrain as the GTO we send to the USA. From new this car has had excessive noise in the driveline in the form of a clunk when shifting and a rattle which seems associated but can be set off by such things as a speed bump. I have replaced all parts which relate to free play, Borg Warner Hydratrac LSD, new CWP 3.91:1, new CV joints, new drive shaft centre bearing etc, all to no effect. I can reproduce the rattle by putting my foot on the brake and popping the clutch slightly in gear before disengaging the clutch. It sounds like two pieces of metal rattling and not in a rotational sense. Any ideas??

I have attached an image of my car complete with Chevy badges and an Eaton blower. If it weren't for your unions you could have an El Camino also!!

[30thbird]

Classic big hit contributors to driveline clunk are the dif ring and pinion set up and the clutch center springs. Was the dif properly set up? Have you checked the clutch neutral springs for damage?

[Sarge]

Hey man...welcome to the forum......many of the new Holden owners (Pontiac GTO) here in the States have experienced the same thing....it has come down to the two piece drive shaft as the culprit...it "flexes" a little at first....and has some slop in it...many have replaced the two piece drive shaft with a solid one with u-joints versus the rubber crap they come with.....
Yes the Unions killed the El Camino and the Camaro......
By the way...I opened up Kingsford Smith airport for American Airlines back in 89.....American Airlines found out you Aussies don't like DC-10's much Like them 747's do you?

[Trabots]

My CWP is set up properly and the clutch has been inspected. The drive shaft idea is new and I will investigate. I wasn't aware that it was 2 piece. It looks like one shaft albeit with a centre bearing. This by the way was replaced after it was found that its mounting had broken. Is the driveshaft two pieces end to end or is it one inside another? Is it a standard part the one piece or is it custom? Cheers.