Differential knocking noise? Please listen

911

New member
Joined
Aug 1, 2018
Location
RI
TDI
06 Beetle BEW
2006 Beetle PD BEW 5 speed manual trans.
I have some play in the differential, at slow speeds if i let off the throttle I can hear a knocking sound or a clunk. Feels like gear play or backlash. it's fine when I'm driving normal / accelerating. Happens when you suddenly get on and off the throttle at low speeds.
The video shows it but it's not my car, same issue. I also disconnected the driveshaft and verified the noise and play is in the diff/gearbox.
What do you guys think this is? Thanks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gtzsGlG3lE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXRVqJrDRN4
 

BobnOH

not-a-mechanic
Joined
May 29, 2004
Location
central Ohio
TDI
New Beetle 2003 manual
Front end noises are tough. I don't think it's those joints, but perhaps someone who knows will chime in. Try the standard cv wear check, full turns at low speed.
 

911

New member
Joined
Aug 1, 2018
Location
RI
TDI
06 Beetle BEW
Thanks- Anyone else, any Ideas based on you-tube video?

Thanks
 

bluesmoker

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 7, 2006
Location
Maple Ridge, B.C.
TDI
2004 pd 5 speed tip
2006 Beetle PD BEW 5 speed manual trans.
I have some play in the differential, at slow speeds if i let off the throttle I can hear a knocking sound or a clunk. Feels like gear play or backlash. it's fine when I'm driving normal / accelerating. Happens when you suddenly get on and off the throttle at low speeds.
The video shows it but it's not my car, same issue. I also disconnected the driveshaft and verified the noise and play is in the diff/gearbox.
What do you guys think this is? Thanks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gtzsGlG3lE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXRVqJrDRN4

engine mounts


https://www.idparts.com/dogbone-mount-transmission-a4-p-807.html
 

oilhammer

Certified Volkswagen Nut & Vendor
Joined
Dec 11, 2001
Location
outside St Louis, MO
TDI
There are just too many to list....
There are no hypoid gears in that transmission, the ring/pinion set is just a conventional helical cut gear. So if it had THAT much play, it would have likely lunched itself by now. The teeth are simply too fine for that.

Much more likely there is either slop in the axles somewhere (Chaxles will be wiped out usually within 10k miles) or the roll mount is bad and not holding the powertrain steady when the torque load changes.
 
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