clutch noise ( the clunk )

[DBT40]

Hi all,
my csl has always made this noise as the clutch engages and disengages at low road speeds after getting driven hard, usually whilst getting back up the driveway it clunks and rattles like a bag of bolts. i've always just ignored it but now it's getting worse I'm feeling the need to attend to it before it breaks.
Does anyone know what causes the noise and would a new clutch stop it or is it another part of the system?
the car is on 45k, has no regular slur and changes gear as sweet as a nut, but does get, and has had a hard life.

thanks for any ideas.

[grumps]

Duel mass flywheel ?

[DuncanR]

Fluid level ?

[DBT40]

fluids are all there, it has been doing it for as long as I can remember, and has been serviced a few times to say the least. It seems to be temperature related but after an early morning thrash today, didn't make any noises, sod's law. when it does it, it sounds like someone loading a gun as I reverse over the kerb into the driveway. it seems to happen when the clutch disengages after lifting off at crawling speed.

[s.mac]

you sure its not the diff?

[DBT40]

you sure its not the diff?

i suppose it could be, it should be well fooked by now. the diff would be an easier fix as well.

[magnust]

Or drive shaft joints (sorry, don't know the appropriate English name for them). When new they are are tight but when worn they get some play. I changed these (I had to change the whole drive shafts on each side since BMW don't sell the joints separately). This took away most of the gearshift clonking sound on my car :supz:

[DuncanR]

you sure its not the diff? +1 on that

[mattCSLnut]

you sure its not the diff?

+ 2 ... Good call Steve :thumbs:

[sailorbaz]

Mine had a new diff just a couple of thousand miles ago and still clunks. It was changed due to a collapsed bearing, nothing to do with the noise. I'd noticed some oil on the garage floor one morning.

But, it does sound more like your diff' mate. What about that revised Oil that BMW put in the diffs? Maybe check see if it's had that.

[DBT40]

driveshafts were off recently and passed inspection. It's had the diff additive and doesn't grind on full lock. I shall look into purchasing a new diff. Does the clunking come from wear on the gears but only when they are hot?