Help please, mechanical problem, european trip

Post by **green thing** » 17 Aug 2019, 09:17

Hello everyone, I replaced my camper a few weeks ago, bought one with a fresh ticket, did as many pre-trip checks as I could before we left but, literally as we were driving on to the ferry at dover a quite audible cliking noise started,from the rear once every revolution. When we drove off the ferry, the noise had disappeared but came back half way to bruges.
It seems to appear and disappear after it`s all warmed up, gets louder when accelerating and slowing, goes quiet when the clutch is depressed. So basically when any pressure is applied. I think it`s probably a c.v. joint. The mechanic who i bought it from changed the trailing arm on the offside and disconnected the outer c.v. joint, so I`m guessing that maybe the ball bearings came out and went back in, in a different order which might explain why it comes and goes.
A freind of mine suggested it might be the thrust bearing breaking up. The gears have disappeared a couple of times when trying to change at slow speed in traffic but come back with a frenzied fiddle with the gear stick.
Any thoughts?
One thing is for sure is, it`s only going to get worse.
Can anyone recommend a mechanic/garage please. One that`s not going to cost the earth. I have brought a skeleton tool kit and probably have enough to change the c.v., if it is that but really don`t want to.
We`re heading south, no definate plans so could travel directly south, S.east-west from Bruges.

Thanks Jon

Post by **Oldiebut goodie** » 17 Aug 2019, 10:14

Usually the CV bolts have not been torqued up correctly when this happens. I would check them for tightness especially the outer ones that are not so easily accessible which are often not tight enough.
Gears though....?

Post by **itchyfeet** » 17 Aug 2019, 10:24

Have a look at CV bolts as said first but if they look tight then I have seen this before where the CVs are just dry of grease, it can come and go.

As a temporary fix get underneath and grab the drive shaft in the middle the move the driveshaft by hand towards the gearbox and back towards the wheel quickly , it moves about an inch or a little less, do this 10 or more times and it can redistribute the grease and stop the noise.

Post by **Mocki** » 17 Aug 2019, 15:09

Assuming you have looked under and checked the drive shaft bolts are not loose ?
If they are not loose, try giving the drive shafts a "jiggle" from left to right , gear box to wheel a few times , if it’s a lubrication issue this will maybe cure your problem for a few hundred miles .... if it does, squirt some moly grease into the small end of the boot and work itin by kneading the boot .

Post by **937carrera** » 17 Aug 2019, 16:05

Possibly contact between the brake drum and backplate, the symptoms sound similar to what I had on my Autosleeper on its first trip. Can you jack one wheel up to test ?

Post by **green thing** » 17 Aug 2019, 17:42

Thanks for your replies, I`ve had a look underneath and it`s the inner c.v. joint, offside. Noisey even when moved by hand. Pushed it to and fro and it did stay quiet on a short journey. We`re going to stay put and call a mechanic on monday and go from there.

Post by **Michael4** » 17 Aug 2019, 21:46

An old fashioned roadside cheat on a T2 was to remove the shaft, turn it round and put it back...and then drive carefully for the next 50k miles.

Can you do the same on a T3?

Not approved of, I understand.

Post by **green thing** » 17 Aug 2019, 22:04

yes I had considered this but we had very heavy rain today, maybe tomorrow

Post by **TONYT25T25** » 21 Jun 2022, 18:18

Guessing you have already done a internet trawl ref garages in the area, or check local campsites as they may have flyers at reception saying local mechanic english speaking etc.

Post by **Oldiebut goodie** » 21 Jun 2022, 18:18

Re: Help please, mechanical problem, european trip

Post by samefredd » Tue Jun 21, 2022 6:52 pm
Did you like the trip? I want to do one too, and I am also afraid that the car will not manage such a long way without any issues.

What car?

Post by **Oldiebut goodie** » 21 Jun 2022, 18:19

TONYT25T25 wrote: ↑21 Jun 2022, 18:18 Guessing you have already done a internet trawl ref garages in the area, or check local campsites as they may have flyers at reception saying local mechanic english speaking etc.

I should think that he has been home for nigh on 3 years by now!

Post by **TONYT25T25** » 21 Jun 2022, 18:22

fell for that one hook line and stinker.

Post by **jrt** » 21 Jun 2022, 18:24

Post by **Oldiebut goodie** » 21 Jun 2022, 18:56

It is a spammer - they stand out a mile.

Post by **R0B** » 21 Jun 2022, 21:54

I have my eye on them.