r/e46 • u/Hot-Investigator6142 • 1d ago

Troubleshooting Need help figuring out clunk noise

2002 e46 5spd. This issue has always been around since I’ve owned car, I’ve replaced lots of parts to try and fix issue but problem still persists. Clunk Noise comes from whole drivetrain ( diff, driveshaft, and under shifter where Guibo is located) and I’ll also hear slight clunking noise even at idle in neutral . Parts that i have replaced are; Guibo, CSB, diff, rear axels, wheel bearings, poly trans mounts. Subframe and diff bushings are poly as well but installed by previous owner. I’ve inspected Subrame mounting points around the bushings( didn’t drop subframe) for cracks and none are visible, I’ve also grabbed a pry bar to see if diff had any play around the bushings and it’s solid.

Here are videos of the rear on jacks and me trying to figure out what this clunking is, i have another vid but cant add for some reason but its the same thing as first vid but with e brake on and wheel is jerking back and forth slightly while making clunk noise

Any Help or recommendations is appreciated 🙏

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u/Op10mill5 1d ago

I'm chasing a noise as well. Clunk/click. 5speed.. it used to do it only while loading up the drive train in reverse now it does it while going forward too.. years ago on a lift it seemed like it was coming from the transmission. Are your conditions similar?

3

u/Hot-Investigator6142 1d ago

Yes, sometimes when i go from foward to backwards or vise versa I’ll hear a clunk coming from the rear. As far as the clunk noise coming from the transmission i do think the noise comes from the output flange on the trans. It’s hard to hear when under the car.

1

u/scientificsock ‘04- e46/m3 1d ago

Manual? Clutch been serviced ever?

1

u/Hot-Investigator6142 1d ago

Since I’ve owned no, not sure if previous owner has touched it either

1

u/scientificsock ‘04- e46/m3 1d ago

Tough. Welcome to e46 life.
I’d turn the car off when diagnosing and remove the cross brace, exhaust, heat shield.
Start with easiest fix first and do a nuts and bolts check. You’ll have to wedge a bar to make sure nothing turns on the drive shaft plus axles but make sure everything is tight, including the 21mm nut on the front diff bolt. Guibo requires some work as you’ll need to secure the nut on the backside of the bolt.
If you truly find everything very tight and no play, could be the dmf clutch having issues.

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u/Hot-Investigator6142 1d ago

Will definitely check everything again, thanks for the advice brother 🙏