83 Porsche 944 N/A tapping sound

[thomas944]

While driving in traffic I noticed that when the clutch was engaged there was a consistent tapping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. I did a little on the fly testing while driving and found that when at idle or revving the sound did not present itself. When i let off of the gas to coast the sound becomes more predominant. Once I reach a certain rpm or speed the sound fades away. I dont think it is suspension because it doesnt happen while the clutch pedal is in and the car is still moving at normal road speed. The engine doesnt seem to be at fault because when revving the sound doesnt appear. Im thinking it has something to do with the transmission. Not totally positive but thats my best guess. The way the car handles and shifts has not been affected by this problem. Clutch engages fine and I still have power to the back tires. I do think I may have a mount that has gone bad but havent got the time to check it out. This may be the cause because something may have shifted. Im not totally sure about the motor mount but just some more info on the situation. Any tips or suggestions on what the problem may be will be extremely helpful. Please and Thanks

[9FF]

Check all your bolts on the rear axles, I'm thinking it's the cv joints on the axles or axle related.

[thomas944]

@9FF Would it be the bolts or cv joints if the sound doesnt continue after disengaging the clutch? Meaning no power is being transferred to the transmission or cv joints. Im not totally sure how the rear end works or what cv joints do. It may be the problem but why wouldnt it do it while coasting (clutch disengaged but car is still rolling)?

[Rasta Monsta]

Check CV bolts, repack if last CV service unknown. Fairly easy job if you are interested in starting to learn to work on your car.

[9FF]

There is no load on them when coasting only when accel/decel. You have two axles going from your trans to your wheels. The axles have a cv joint at either end held on with bolts. As RM stated they need checking and greasing. Here you go: http://www.clarks-garage.com/pdf-manual/susp-01.pdf

[thomas944]

I read over the link and it seems easy enough. Its my birthday tomorrow so hopefully I'll get some money to use as a buffer if something else has gone bad. One last thing, in order to get to my tools I have to drive about 30 miles on highway. Will it damage them beyond repair if I try to get out there? Ill do a little more research on it and hopefully have to problem fixed soon. Thanks for your help. If you have any other suggestions feel free to let me know. Im only 17 and cars are a passion so everything i can learn is a blessing.

[thomas944]

One more thing, online they say a lot of noise is heard going around corners but I am not going around many corners. I hear the noise going straight down the road. I hope its the joint but I have my doubts.

[9FF]

Like everything on cars it's always more difficult to do a remote diagnosis on a fault using another persons description of the fault, especially a noise. If you don't have much experience fixing cars get a good local mechanic to pin-point the fault and then post back here and we'll tell you how to fix it yourself.