Caddy 9k9: Rattling Noise - Diagnosis & Repair

hello everyone,

I stumbled upon this wonderful forum by chance, and I'd like to congratulate everyone here on this excellent knowledge base. Now, to my question.

I drive a Caddy TDI (manufactured in 1997). When I start the car with the steering wheel turned, I hear a rattling noise coming from the drivetrain. It's louder when the steering wheel is turned to the left, but it also occurs when the steering wheel is turned to the right, although much quieter.

Can someone tell me what that could be? I would like to reach 400,000 kilometers with my car and not have to take it to the scrapyard at 350,000 km .

Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

'Hello'
christoph

Hello,

Have you checked the constant velocity joints (CV joints) yet?

Hi,

Have you already checked the drive shafts?
If you managed to get 350,000 km (approximately 217,000 miles) with the first set of tires, that would be quite impressive, and it wouldn't be surprising if they are worn out.

A clicking or rattling sound when starting to move, especially when turning the steering wheel, is a fairly reliable symptom of faulty drive shafts.

Hi,

@MichaelII:
I was a minute too late. How about that!

Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to check anything yet. That's also why I'm asking. It could have been something typical...
but if I see that a driveshaft at D+W Repair costs about 250 euros .
and my T5 will be arriving soon...

Hello,

"The thread is quite old (over a year), but I'm currently experiencing a similar problem with our Caddy (year 1999, 1.9 TDI, 630,000 km). I've replaced both drive shafts (both had noticeable axial play on the transmission side) and the wheel bearings."
Unfortunately, the noise is still present. It occurs when turning slightly to the right, starting around 50 km/h. Is it possible that there is damage to the differential, and how can I test this?

Best regards,
Markus