The noise is apparent when applying power. If I toddle along and drive on tiptoes it won't do it, but when you apply throttle to push on it will knock - sounds like a shuddering/thundery noise.
I've checked the subframe mounting bolts - fine.
The cat isn't knocking on the subframe.
My top engine mount appears in reasonable order. A mirror underneath shoes the stud hasn't sheared and prying it with a bar doesn't show excessive movement (IMO).
I've given the exhaust a wiggle and that's not touching the body or anything.
I initially put it down to the drivers side driveshaft - perhaps the intermediate bearing or one of the joints. Fitted an OE recon shaft - DIDN'T SOLVE IT! (I could have cried).
It's possible that I picked the wrong side. Naturally it can often sound from the drivers side as noises like they transfer quite a distance.
I don't really want to change the pass side shaft without reasonable belief that it is that.
My old Clio used to do similar and that's a common fault with those - the dog bone (rear lower engine mount) is susceptible to failure and movement causes a knock. Perhaps I could have a similar issue here - but I'm not noticing marks from contact.
My next quick and cheap attempt at fixing it will be to change the gearbox mount as the box does wobble a fair bit with a bar against it, but I'm unsure how much movement there usually is.
What techniques can I use to test the other driveshaft for faults? I've jacked up and grabbed it, moved it and tried to feel any movement in the joints but nothing shows up.
Top mounts - they appear to be the original items - would movement in the top bearing cause a knock when applying the power if it was knackered?
Throw ideas at me people. I've dumped it in the corner and I'm running out of patience with it. Driving it until such a failure becomes apparent, has crossed my mind.
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