Drivetrain Malfunction Help Needed!

[aayaz]

Hi Everyone,

My car is getting up there in miles (92k) and the other day i floored the pedal and felt a bit of a hesitation followed by a clunk sound coming from the rear. I immediately received a drivetrain malfunction warning on the screen saying to drive carefully. This isn't the first time it has happened and it goes away immediately after shutting the car off and turning back on. Any ideas what this could be? I changed my spark plugs last summer so they are relatively new and i don't drive my car every day. Any recommendations?

[m5rosco]

Could be a number of things, but if it was mine and the coil packs weren't fresh, that's what I'd be doing now.

[M5_Raz]

I’m thinking something mechanical in the rear. The Diff brace could be on its way out, common issue if car is launched hard.

If it breaks it can take out the diff, axles, and driveshaft for an eye watering bill.

[aayaz]

Originally Posted by M5_Raz

I’m thinking something mechanical in the rear. The Diff brace could be on its way out, common issue if car is launched hard.

If it breaks it can take out the diff, axles, and driveshaft for an eye watering bill.

Hmm okay....I definitely never launch the car but occasionally do some spirited driving.

[KurtsM5]

Originally Posted by aayaz

Hmm okay....I definitely never launch the car but occasionally do some spirited driving.

Did you buy it new?

[aayaz]

Originally Posted by KurtsM5

Did you buy it new?

No, car had 40k miles when I purchased it.

[KurtsM5]

Originally Posted by aayaz

No, car had 40k miles when I purchased it.

Then there's a (pretty good) chance that she got beat on hard before you got her. I'd have some put it on a lift and inspect the diff brace. A clunk from the rear is ominous. As MRaz said, the price tag for a broken diff brace is eyewatering, and puke worthy.

[aayaz]

Originally Posted by KurtsM5

Then there's a (pretty good) chance that she got beat on hard before you got her. I'd have some put it on a lift and inspect the diff brace. A clunk from the rear is ominous. As MRaz said, the price tag for a broken diff brace is eyewatering, and puke worthy.

Any recommendations on a replacement part? I have a lift at home where i can likely do it myself. OEM, something aftermarket?

[KurtsM5]

https://www.rkautowerks.com/index.ph...et-diff-mount/ is really the only one out there. Have to reuse OEM bushing.

[M5_Raz]

You have to diagnose it first before buying parts because we could be completely off.

The on that Kurt linked is the most popular one. I’ve also recently learned of another option: https://www.einhornindustries.com/st...l_Bracket.html

[aayaz]

Originally Posted by M5_Raz

You have to diagnose it first before buying parts because we could be completely off.

The on that Kurt linked is the most popular one. I’ve also recently learned of another option: https://www.einhornindustries.com/st...l_Bracket.html

I'm going to take a look under in a few days to see if i can visibly see anything and report back.

[KurtsM5]

Originally Posted by M5_Raz

You have to diagnose it first before buying parts because we could be completely off.

The on that Kurt linked is the most popular one. I’ve also recently learned of another option: https://www.einhornindustries.com/st...l_Bracket.html

Nice find, never heard of this one before. I wonder if their bushing causes the whine reported by folks with the GAW brace...

[KurtsM5]

Originally Posted by M5_Raz

You have to diagnose it first before buying parts because we could be completely off.

The on that Kurt linked is the most popular one. I’ve also recently learned of another option: https://www.einhornindustries.com/st...l_Bracket.html

I emailed einhorn about their diff brace.

"Thanks for your interest in our products! To answer your questions, we are located in SoCal and we are currently selling the rear diff brace and have them in stock. The bushing material we use is a composite Delrin material the minimize additional noise and/vibrations that is normally associated with solid bushing materials.

Below is the link to the product and you’re welcome to place your order below. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us. Thank you!"

[TinCanSailor]

That is a very nice looking piece and a very good price. I am not familiar with the builder but at that price that is not a tough gamble.