Alfetta sedan tailshaft

[lfetta]

Hey guys I have a 83 alfetta sedan, when I'm sitting at the lights at idle I can hear a rattle coming from the centre under neath the vehicle. After further investigation I have noticed the tailshaft is rubbing on the bell housing? Any ideas as to why this is?

Thanks

[Barry Edmunds]

Any noise should be checked out ASAP. Sounds like loose tailshaft or suspect donuts. If so don't drive it otherwise expect savage hit to wallet.

[Sheldon McIntosh]

Has your rear engine (bell housing) mount collapsed?

[Beatle]

Are you sure the noise is from the propshaft rubbing on the bellhousing?  I only ask because every Alfetta I've owned has had telltale scoring on the shaft, but it didn't rub under normal loads.  I suspect the shaft can kiss the bellhousing under extreme torque applications.  Also, noises under the car can be difficult to pinpoint.

Alfetta transaxle clutches can be noisy at idle in neutral with your foot off the clutch pedal, not much to worry about.  But it depends how bad the rattle really is.  Does it go away with the clutch pedal depressed?

Check the LH and RH ngine mounts.  LH mounts are susceptible to heat damage.

Check the rear engine mount on the bellhousing.  The cross piece should be nearly central in the hole supported by two webs of rubber.

Check your propshaft clearance with the bellhousing in accordance with the manual (I can't remember the figures, my books are in the back shed, and I'm scared of the boogie man..... ).  7mm rings a bell?

Check the nuts on the rear mount aren't loose, or missing altogether.

Check each donut for security, damage, cracks, failure.

Check the rear propshaft spider where it mounts to the clutch input isn't loose on the spline.

Check the exhaust isn't contacting the floor anywhere, or where it goes up over the axle (can hit the axle bolts).