E46 strange rumble from rear - diff?

[trackdemon]

Have piled a couple of thousand miles into my E46 since last week, and it seems to be developing a strange rumbling noise from the rear occasionally. Only seems to happen in second under load, very similar to noise of driving over rumble strips. Bit of a strange one, and I'm trying to drive around it till back in Uk but 1000miles left to go before that. Have any of you experienced this before and have an idea what it might be?

[Zebrs]

Rear subframe gone? Has it been checked/reinforced?

[trackdemon]

Apparently was ok when last checked, seems odd that it goes away with revs and gears if it is subframe? Feels like diff but then it could be anything loose back there. Guess I'll have to drive like a cissy for a bit to get it back!....

Edited by trackdemon on Thursday 1st September 16:46

[IIIRestorerIII]

My diff made a noise during slow speed turning approaching full lock (car parks etc).

Some more details on the diff oil at the following thread...

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=118...

[trackdemon]

Noise is worse now, and is joined by a loud clicking thud when going round tight corners. Getting worried about its ability to make it back to uk, given I'm in Monaco right now :/ Does the description of the sound correlate with subframe broken?

[nitrodave]

It will be your prop shaft coupling, the big rubber donut that connects your diff to the prop shaft. Your prop shaft bearing will need to be replaced also.

I've had exactly this on an old e46 and if you can get access to a ramp it's a cheap and quick fix.

Take it steady, no harsh accelerating and you should get back ok

[trackdemon]

Nice one thanks! I'll take it easy then, no drifting Any idea what the loud clicking noise from the back of the car is? Only happens under lateral load.