Transmission Click

[93MTXSHO]

I'm just wondering what could cause a repetitive click under moderate throttle. I notice it in every gear, except reverse. The transaxle is full of fluid, the clutch has 12K on it, and the rear main slobbers like a ******. I also notice what I believe to be clutch chatter, but not always. Sometimes I notice it, and sometimes I don't. I realize that it is hard to diagnose a click without actually driving the car, but if it helps any, I can hear it over the radio (when it's not turned up too loud). Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated. The front motor mounts are shot, and will hopefully be replaced this Friday or Saturday. Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[Rob94]

Are you sure it's the transmission? Almost sounds like bad CV joints. Take a look under there and see if the boots are torn, or if there's grease all over the place.

 

[93MTXSHO]

So let's say it is the CV joints (I haven't checked yet. I'm saving that for later this afternoon). How long will a CV joint last, even if the boot is not torn or leaking grease? I believe that my SHO has both original half shafts, and I know that sometimes U-joints go out and sometimes they don't. After you mentioned the CV joint, I remembered what a bad Universal sounds like, and it sounds somewhat similar, except it is only repetitive like every time the shaft goes around. It increases with speed, not RPMs. I just assumed that it was the transmission because I didn't stop to evaluate the possibility of it being a CV joint. Any more comments/suggestions?

 

[Rob94]

Assuming it is the CV joints, they are already dead. If you are asking how long before they totally fail, ie fall apart and leave you stranded, that's anyone's guess. I believe they are around $60 apiece at Autozone. I suggest you check them as soon as possible and replace them if they are the source of your noise.