[markwemple]

Well, took the 44 out and the third speed bump caused a nasty grumble that Becky thinks is an exhaust leak but I'm afraid it could be something much worse. I don't think we impacted the bump but we may have. What ever the noise is the frequecy goes up with engine speed and is either coming from the center or the rear of the car. It sounds nasty. We're out at Brian Boru's right now so I'll have to get to it tomorrow, darn it.

[hobiecat]

There is a flange just behind the catalytic converter. The bolts that hold it all together are
prone to rust, so a good jolt could've snapped one. That would be the first place I'd
check. Also..the gasket between the joints, quite likely the original one, could've finally gave out.

Anyway...I'd check there first.

[BeerBurner]

I had my exhaust siphon tube thingie (I forget what it was called other than it being a port to test the exhaust gasses) break off, causing a massive leak and ensuing noises. I don't remember exactly where it was mounted other than it being really low so I guess that may have broken, too.

Fortunately, I had just replaced the exhaust in my former Jetta and it's exhaust siphon tube thingie bolted right up, sealing the leak. Of course, it's a lot shorter and you have to get under the car to use it but whatever. I don't care since I don't think it's ever been used anyway.

In any event, I hope it's an easy fix!

BB.

[markwemple]

Quick look at the exhaust, nothing apparent (Cali car). Next I lifted up the rear to listen for tranny noise, rotated the wheels, no noticable noise. Tomorrow I dig in. Here we go.....

[Roxtar]

dude... if you need a parts '86 44... let me know :P i'll let it go cheap

since it's engine speed related and coming from the center/rear... could be you tweaked the torque tube.

[markwemple]

How loud can a torque tube get? If I buy a parts car, can I keep it at your house?

[markwemple]

Would the torque tube make noise with the car out of gear?

[Roxtar]

not sure, is the clutch at the front or the back?

it it's at the front, then if the car is stationary, and the clutch is disengaged, you should be able to start the engine and not hear anything until you let the clutch out. if the grumble is there before the clutch is let out, it's not the torque tube.

[HoodPin]

The clutch on 944's is just behind the engine. So if car is rolling, the torque tube is also rotating. Torque tube bearings have been known to go bad, but I don't think they happen quite so suddenly. They're not so readily available anymore, and can be hard to find. Bulky and heavy, so don't ship well either. I've seen instructions online for replacing the bearings, and even improving. Torque tube is basically 2 pipes. Outer pipe is fixed. Bearings slide in and fit between the outer pipe (fixed) and inner pipe (rotates). IIRC, OEM used 3 bearings in the torque tube. Repair suggests using 4 to distribute loads better.

I would also take a look at half-shafts and bolts. Torque is critical on the half-shaft bolts.

More involved problems could also be the rubber centered OEM clutch is failing (you'll see rubber shards in bottom of the clutch housing). Also, if diff is LSD, might be a diff failure. Maybe check tranny fluid to see if funky. A slipping LSD might benefit from a fluid replacement.

[markwemple]

Clutch in or out it sounds the same. It really sounds as if it is coming from the engine bay. The only way I can describe it is to take tappet clatter (w/ only 1 or 2 making it) make that sound a little more tinny and then increase the volume by 10x. Really a nasty sound, and unnerving.