Advice needed! Noise coming from centre of car...

[Mk2_phil]

Hi Guys, my mk2 decided to start making a noise all of a sudden shortly after xmas. It sounds like a metallic rattling/grinding noise, and initially it started at 30+ MPH going up or down hill. It isn't steering, or brake related (I don't think!) as I get no noise response when doing either of these actions. However, the noise is getting steadily worse, and at 50mph is pretty much constant and causes the car to vibrate.
At first I thought it was suspension related, and despite my two front strut mounts being changed (and they were knackered anyway! haha) this didn't solve the problem. Checked the hubs and driveshafts and nothing looked out of order.

Bit the bullet and took it to a trusted garage and they test drove it with me and are adamant that it is something loose in the gearbox, but I'm not sure, I have argued engine mounts or CV joints, and after they inspected they said the rear engine mount and tranny mount could benefit from being changed and there is an issue with a CV joint needing changing but they are still sure it is gearbox.

I want to trust them, but it doesn't feel like gearbox to me..

Any thoughts would be helpful, I have already bought a mk2 golf 8v GTI box with 100mm output flanges to swap in with 100mm driveshafts from a scala but I don't want to go to the trouble of taking the box out if I don't have to!

Thanks in advance guys.

[mark1gls]

How old is the gearbox oil and what is the oil level like in there and any leaks?

Have you checked the cv joints by driving the car on full lock backwards and forwards?

[Mk2_phil]

Hi

the gearbox oil is brand new as it had it changed at the garage yesterday. I will check full lock tonight when I get back from work. Thanks

edit: there are no leaks from the gearbox

[Mk2_phil]

so in response to mark1gls, the cv's do click slightly on full lock, not on reverse so much as forwards. It isn't as severe as I would expect but they are clearly worn.

[Mk2_phil]

Anymore ideas guys?

[G-Dub]

My Audi picked up a stone which sat between the front brake disc and backing plate, apart from the similar sounding rattling / grinding noise I was surprised how much vibration it generated. It took me a good few hours to track it down and remove the offending article. Worth a look?

[Nate]

the rear gearbox mount would be the first thing i'd check. grab hold of the top of the engine and shake it forwards and backwards. see how much movement there is. should be a bit but not too much. if it clonks then that'll probably be it. i'll be coming past cannock on friday evening if you want me to take a look...

won't be on here before that though, so you'll need to hit me up on facebook

[Nate]

also, have you checked the exhaust isn't fouling on anything?