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Strange clicking noise under hard acceleration

Hi all, :imnew:. I have a 2001 E53 4.4 with 150k 01/01 mfg date. When I accelerate hard from a complete stop I get a few loud clicks (2-5) then it goes away. It only happens from a complete stop, not when already moving, or above 10-15 mph. The sound is like a loud torque wrench and it comes from the front of the vehicle near the trans or diff maybe? Hard to pinpoint. I have just replaced both front cv axles with new ones and drained and filled both differentials with mobil synthetic ls 75-90 gear oil. Maybe it's the flex joint connected to the front diff? Or is it a trans issue? Broken input shaft? I have researched for hours and could find nobody else with this issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Driveshaft from the transfer case to the front differential needs to be replaced or a longer splined portion needs to be welded on.

What ever is causing that popping sound, I wouldn't be driving the X like you stole it until you fix it. If it is the splines on the driveshaft you could be ruining the splines in the transfer case which will be a very costly repair.

Quote:

Originally Posted by trader4 (Post 1058887)

Most likely culprit is the transfer case chain, slipping on the sprockets.
The chain gets stretched over time. It can be inspected by removing
the drain plug, at least on the transfer case on 2002 3.0 vintage.
With the plug out, you can see the chain and use a screwdriver to
see if there is play in it or not. It can be replaced for ~$100 in parts.

It's possible it's the driveshaft splines too, but from what I've heard,
seems that failure mode is usually complete, ie once it starts the
splines strip so bad that the car won't go. The chain thing can go on
for a long time. That's what it was here, several load click/pops
when starting out from a stop. If you applied very little acceleration,
it could be avoided.

I'll back trader4on this one. There was absolutely no warning when my front driveshaft splines gave away. I had just finished driving non-stop from Odessa, Texas to Arlington, exited the interstate and the splines went as I tried to accelerate from 20 mph to 35 mph. Initially, I thought the torque convertor had gone out. On disassembly, it was obvious that rust had developed on the splines for quite some time until they failed completely.

2002 X5 3.0 290,900 miles
2014 428i 12,700 miles
2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles

It's the chain. The driveshaft could also be wearing. I suggest replacing the chain and installing a longer driveshaft before it gets worse

Quote:

Originally Posted by benfbuilder (Post 1058871)

I JUST started having this same clicking sounds when moving out of Park or from a dead stop OR sometimes noticed at very slow speeds!!

Update: talked with my mech and he told me its my rear driveshaft.