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VF SSV knocking sound rear end/drivetrain on initial load from stationary

jono67

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Hi guys, I've searched for a few days on this, but have found nothing really relating to the VF, some threads similar to older models of Commodores though.

I know trying to solve such issues with an internet search is almost impossible, and in the VF workshop manual (which I have gone through) they even state "Driveline noises may confuse even the best technician", but I want to try and narrow it down a bit so that I can avoid being ripped off when I take it to someone.

I'll try to explain as best I can. The noise/sound usually only occurs once I've driven the car for at least 10 minutes, so once everything is up to operating temperature. Sometimes it takes 10 minutes to surface, other times around 20 to 30 minutes. Could be dependent on the air temperature at the time, who knows.

Once it does start though, it's there until I park the car. So from a stationary position, during say the first 5 seconds once initial load is applied, I'm getting 5 small knocks (sometimes more, sometimes less) in a row in quick succession from the rear of the car, and then it stops. It does not matter if I am driving straight, turning left or right. Once past that initial 5 seconds or so it goes away no matter what speed I am doing, until I pull up to a stop again, then I hear it again once initial load is applied to get going again.

I don't think it's suspension nor exhaust related, otherwise I'd hear it constantly I guess. I'm going to try and jack the car up on the weekend to try and have a look, but if anyone has experienced something similar, I'd love to hear your thoughts, or any suggestions would be appreciated.

Also if anyone can suggest someone in Sydney I can take it to? I can take it to my local mechanic, or should I go to a drivetrain specialist? I am hesitant to take it to Holden.

It's a 2015 Series 1 SSV manual by the way with 69 000km's.
 

Banjo79

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I've had a loose rear stabilizer bar that caused creeky/knock sounds when driving off from stationary. Happened most, but not all the time and was only for a second or two.
 

jono67

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I've had a loose rear stabilizer bar that caused creeky/knock sounds when driving off from stationary. Happened most, but not all the time and was only for a second or two.
Thanks Banjo, I'll check it out when I jack it up, I hope it's as simple as that:)
 

Hq King

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Thanks Banjo, I'll check it out when I jack it up, I hope it's as simple as that:)
I had a knock on my vy coming from the diff it would only do it after 20 odd minutes of driving and come to a stop then take off again 2 or 3 clunks I thought the diff was buggered I changed the diff oil and all was good
 

jono67

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I had a knock on my vy coming from the diff it would only do it after 20 odd minutes of driving and come to a stop then take off again 2 or 3 clunks I thought the diff was buggered I changed the diff oil and all was good
Hq the fact that it starts doing it once at operating temp does suggest it could be something like that.

Having a look through my service manual, it never mentions changing the diff oil for any services, and I've never had to for previously owned cars. However, could Hq be onto something?
 

Hq King

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Hq the fact that it starts doing it once at operating temp does suggest it could be something like that.

Having a look through my service manual, it never mentions changing the diff oil for any services, and I've never had to for previously owned cars. However, could Hq be onto something?
How many ks has it done mine was around 100 now 130 and no problems I have been told late model diffs do need oil change . There did not seem to be anything wrong with the oil or level ?
 

jono67

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How many ks has it done mine was around 100 now 130 and no problems I have been told late model diffs do need oil change . There did not seem to be anything wrong with the oil or level ?
It's done 69 000km's. I'll have a look around underneath for leaks around the diff on the weekend, and will have to get it to my mechanic at some point to get it up on the hoist and check the diff oil level. I had another read through the workshop manual and you could be onto something there as my symptoms could be to do with the oil level according to it. Strange if it is low oil, unless there is a leak somewhere.
 

Hq King

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It's done 69 000km's. I'll have a look around underneath for leaks around the diff on the weekend, and will have to get it to my mechanic at some point to get it up on the hoist and check the diff oil level. I had another read through the workshop manual and you could be onto something there as my symptoms could be to do with the oil level according to it. Strange if it is low oil, unless there is a leak somewhere.
As I said there was nothing wrong with oil level in mine there were no leaks . I got oil from Repco $ 90 nz for small bottle of some fancy diff oil
 

jono67

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If you are gonna get it on a hoist to check the oil level, would be a good time to change the diff oil while you're at it.
Yeah good point, might as well seeing as I'm nearly at the 70 000km mark. It's due for a service in a few weeks, so if it doesn't get any worse I'll probably wait until then.
 
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