W203 350 rear diff noise?

[JonC350]

help / wisdom / guidance required please gents. Noticed a kind of chattering noise from the rear of the car earlier while stationary. Could hear it inside at first from the rear seat area so got out and looked and listened underneath. It's a kind of metallic chattering noise coming from the rear diff area. Doesn't always do it and isn't affected by rpm. Noise was present whatever gear I selected but goes away when you drive off. Seems to stay when reversing but haven't had chance to properly check. I've tried recording it on my phone but it hasn't come out very well.

Please help!

 

[JonC350]

Anyone?

 

[JonC350]

Had a good look for it tonight. Noise seems to be coming from under the rear seat on the drivers side so don't think it's the diff. Also, with it being present in every gear it's making me think it's something else.

 

[dokalj]

I reckon it is your handbrake cable rubbing on the drive-shaft. Could be wrong...Are you sure it goes when driving? Can you hear it if you drive and then take your foot off the accelerator?

 

[Codger49]

I have seen others on this forum suggest the handbrake cable restraints may have snapped and the noise could be the handbrake cable(s) chattering against the propshaft. Could be worth checking.

 

[SLKNick]

If you can hear the noise when the car is stationary then it cannot be the diff or drive shaft. Noisy fuel pump?

 

[Codger49]

Ah, apologies, didn't register 'stationary'.

 

[markjay]

Loose exhaust pipe or rear box?

Or internally disintegrated cat or rear box?

Rattling access panel (covering the fuel filter)?

 

[JonC350]

Could be, noise rpm dependant but seen to disappear at 1000 rpm. Present at idle though

 

[markjay]

Rattle seems a plausible theory then...

 

[BlackC55]

Loose heat shield?

 

[JonC350]

Should find out next week. It's going back to the dealership tomorrow. Whining noise coming from air con compressor / power steering pump area making it sound supercharged. oil dripping onto exhaust from back of block onto exhaust causing a burning smell and now this rattle/ chattering noise under the rear seat area. Not bad for 2 weeks ownership.

 

[JonC350]

Fixed! After a fortnight at the dealership it turned out to be the fuel pump. All sorted now.