Vectra drive problem in low gears

Hi
I have a 96 2.0 Vectra which makes a very loud clunking noise coming from
the front and the car lurches as if misfiring. Sometimes it causes the car
to drive off the line it was going in and I can feel "something" similar to
a pull through the steering wheel but it is not violent. It's not constant
and more frequent in low gears. Changing into 2nd and pulling off while
turning right seem the most popular times. It lasts a few seconds and then
I can drive normally. Then I come to another junction and have to slow up
and chances are it does it again. Due to rush hour traffic I have not got
much higher than 3rd gear since it started but the one long section I drove
in 4th was problem free.

Any ideas? Driveshaft / joint related?

 

Have you had a new tyre fitted?

Bob

 

Slow puncture on one front tyre?
Dave

 

Nothing so cheap I am afraid
This is a definite mechanical banging. It seems to only happen at low speed,
like 1st and 2nd gears as if something is not coping with the stress of
pulling off and slipping - similar to the way an electric drill slips if
using a torque setting and you reach the setting. Once moving it is not as
bad.

 

Could it be oil on th eclutch plates?

Bob

 

Could be a tooth off the differential - hope not cos will cost lots - have
you ever had a gearbox oil leak?

 

Done a lot of thinking about this and got some ideas, but I need to ask some
questions.

Is this a sudden development, or has it come on gradually?

if sudden, was it accompanied with a loud bang?

do you get the same symptoms in reverse? (with large amounts of lock)

when it does this, have you tried dipping the clutch, and (maybe) even
stopping the engine to see if it still does it?

does it only pull under load, or will it also do it under engine braking.?

does it stop smoothly in a straight line with the foot brake?

Mike

 

****** TAKE CARE***** if you try stopping engine - you'll lose power
assistance on steering and brakes ... :-(

 

Sudden. Was fine driving to work and when I left work I drove 50yds to a T
junction and pulling off from there there was ....

a loud bang from what felt like the front right wheel. It felt much like I
had driven over a large stone that then gets squeezed under the tyre and
then flies off.

Reverse seems fine but not tried any large lock, will have to try that as a
CV joint sounds cheaper

not tried any of the above. My usual course of action is to accelerate
through it as it seems to work.

The first time I noticed the car going offline was actually under engine
braking now you mention it.

Yes. Braking with the brakes is fine.


Thanks for your time
Mac

 

No leaks noticed. Drive is clean at least