Evo 8 driveshaft clunking

[Matt D.]

On the way home from work tonight my car started making a rhythmic clunking sound from underneath. It sped up as the car sped up, went away on deceleration and got loud when I stepped on the gas pedal. I immediately figured a bearing or something went out between the transfer case and rear end, hoping it wasn't either of those directly.

Here is what I found:

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/9237/img06931.jpg

Here's a video of me moving the wheel back and forth and what it sounds like:
http://img513.imageshack.us/i/mvi06941.mp4/

I'm currently unsure exactly what this is, seems to be just a coupler between the shafts like an axle cup. Hopefully it's nothing catastrophic.

I guess I'll tear it apart and see what I find and hopefully Mitsubishi has parts or can get them in a short amount of time. Guess it's time to find that winter beater/daily driver I've been casually browsing for. :(

[t-revzr]

Hmmm hopefully it's not as bad as it sounds cause that clunking sounds horrible.

[Kracka]

Ouch, that sucks. I'd imagine a driveshaft shop should be able to replace that joint, otherwise find a used driveshaft in a part-out on EvoM. Good time to upgrade to a lightweight unit possibly?

[Matt D.]

Ouch, that sucks. I'd imagine a driveshaft shop should be able to replace that joint, otherwise find a used driveshaft in a part-out on EvoM. Good time to upgrade to a lightweight unit possibly?
I'm guessing parts from Mitsubishi would be over $100 easy, the aluminum 2-piece from AWD Motorsports is $700 (http://www.awdmotorsports.com/awdmoaldr.html) assuming my core is worth anything to them.

The bad part is this is my only car and I'm not driving it as it is. Thankfully it's Friday tomorrow so I can take the weekend and get this figured out. Already found a couple Cherokees I like, hopefully can pick something up this weekend.

[scheides]

Bah don't go buy a new car just cause there's a problem with the evo, should be an easy fix. I'm sure someone has a spare set of wheels you can borrow while you get it fixed! The driveshaft comes off in like 10 nuts/bolts and it should be pretty easy to identify where exactly the problem is.

[Matt D.]

Bah don't go buy a new car just cause there's a problem with the evo, should be an easy fix.
If it was an easy fix it would be fixed already. I don't have to justify why I feel I should have a second vehicle.

[scheides]

^heh up to you man!

Where is the clanking coming from, can you pinpoint it? Does it look like the different sections of the driveshaft are partially uncoupled or loose? Did you check all of the driveshaft joints? There's a few spots with 4 nuts/bolts, two like you pictured, and then the xfercase yolk.

[Matt D.]

I checked the carrier bearings, those boots/bushings are good and tight. I wiggled every section of the driveshaft and that is where the noise is coming from. There is a small but noticeable amount of play between the two sections in that "cup" where the seal is obviously busted.

Since the day I bought the car it had always made a noise under deceleration, but not always. And sometimes when I would start accelerating then quick get on the clutch and brake. Well, I guess I figured it out.

[turbotalon1g]

Nice, I have always had a second vehicle since getting back into DSMs (3 years ago) until now.
I can say that it is awesome, i know when Im ready to get another (when I'm home for good) That it will be a pickup so that I move shit easier for the house and car, trying to stuff parts into a corolla is fun, but kinda sucks been a few times if i had more room or towing ability I could get some cool free/cheap shit.

Did you find out how much a stock part would be? any chance to get one used from those that have upgraded? or you going to upgrade?

[Halon]

+1 for getting another vehicle. Scheides says you don't need one, but he must forget that he in fact has a 2nd vehicle he has access to when his breaks (his wifes VW) :D . When you are single, and you mod your only car, and it breaks, you are eff'd.

Interested in a 06 Saab? ;)

Good luck with the driveshaft. Wonder if there's anyone semi-local that has a used one for sale.