Hearing a clinking noise in my driveshaft when the back wheels are turning

[Ftballmstr]

So I'm hearing a clinking noise in the driveshaft when the back wheels turn, does anyone know what it could be? I have read it could maybe be the CV axle or center support bearing. Here's a video of the sound. Thanks!

https://youtube.com/shorts/Vc-RlltGSxw?feature=share

[jicaino]

CV joint (at the joint of the differential flange with the driveshaft)

[Ftballmstr]

CV joint (at the joint of the differential flange with the driveshaft)

Gotcha, someone else said that it was at the join that connects to the wheel and diff, is that not correct?

[jicaino]

Gotcha, someone else said that it was at the join that connects to the wheel and diff, is that not correct?

I've driven e39s for around 20 years and I have yet to see bad CV joints on the axles... while my highest mileage e39 (approaching 200k) chewed up 3 driveshaft CV joints. Yours sounds like it threw off the grease... maybe you can squeeze a couple more thousand miles cleaning it and regreasing it if the rubber boot isn't torn and the CV joint's outer tracks are OK (the channels where the 6 ball bearings ride into)

[CPHES]

+1 on driveshaft joint. Exact same noise on e38.

[BimmerBreaker]

I've seen bad CV axles on E39's, but it is a rare occurrence whereas they do seem to exhibit driveshaft CV issues more frequently.

Nobody else on here can tell you definitely what it is just from that video. You have two places to focus your attention, driveshaft and CV axles - so should jack the car up again and take a closer look at those components.

[Henn28]

Does the rear driveshaft have a u joint in it like the E53 piece does? If so you may want to check that for play.

[Jason5driver]

Usually , when the rear CV joint , at the diff is worn / grease has dried up , you will get clinking when putting the car into gear , reversing or going forward .

[CPHES]

The 750 made noise under load going up hill - 65-75 range

[ross1]

Cadence is once per driveshaft revolution so I think it safe to rule out CV axles. I cannot conceive a failure mode of the center bearing/support that would make this noise. Is there a universal joint or only CV? Sounds a bit like a dry U joint. Any squeeking?

[CPHES]

It should be only CV at end of driveshaft to diff pinion.

[jicaino]

Cadence is once per driveshaft revolution so I think it safe to rule out CV axles. I cannot conceive a failure mode of the center bearing/support that would make this noise. Is there a universal joint or only CV? Sounds a bit like a dry U joint. Any squeeking?

I love how somebody can actually tell what is it watching the video, instead of being all chest-puffed and saying no one can tell :D

It's true, one "ting" pero rev, that's why I typed "CV Joint" and ruled out the axles. Ingenuity like yours (listening to the noise and relate it to other stuff) it's what made great the world after the industrial revolution. Sadly, it's getting scarcer and scarcer to find.

[BimmrMeUpSnotty]

My bet is on a wise assed buddy zipping a small stainless steel zip tie on the shaft….

[jicaino]

My bet is on a wise assed buddy zipping a small stainless steel zip tie on the shaft….

:lol

[ross1]

My bet is on a wise assed buddy zipping a small stainless steel zip tie on the shaft….
A rope with a knot in it was a favorite among some old friends and myself.

[jicaino]

A rope with a knot in it was a favorite among some old friends and myself.

(takes notes) :D

I drilled the exhaust under a buddy's car and JBwelded a tin whistle in it when I was younger. He never talked to me again.