Yes I will update as this is my first job on the back end to resolve clonking and poor handling under acceleration. I then intend to replace the dogbones and then the axle carrier bushes. The trailing arm bushes seems very rigid so these will not be replaced.

Ian

Ian:

Obviously lash in the system will cause impacts in the diff gearing, but I would not replace the diff unless you really have an issue with it.

I'd really like to hear of any seat-of-the-pants improvement you find with the 'new' half-shafts. With my trusty 88 iS 100 miles short of 212k miles, I have considerable driveline lash that detracts from the driving experience.

The way I would do it is to buy a used half-shaft, swap in new CV joints, put one in, then use the one I took out to 'prepare' a new half-shaft for the other side.

I can get the CV joints for about $120/pair I suspect.

Neil Deshpande
http://www.neilwerke.com

***

Hopefully about to sort out my clonking on the ack end.

Found both drive shaft outer CV joints to be worn - and I mean worn. With the car jacked up I could move each wheel with the diff end stationary about 10 degrees.

Found 2 used shafts (with no wear whatsoever) for £20 each (they are the same for all 5 series and 6 series variants).

Car has 155k miles now - suspect these were the original drive shafts.

Should I be considered for the diff if these have been knocking for a while. Doesn't seem to be much backlash in the diff.

Regards

Ian