Loud Knocking Noise 1981 240D

I have been driving cross country in my 1981 240D (automatic transmission) and I find that when I am going up steep hills that I hear this loud knocking noise begin when I press the gas pedal. This noise disappears when I am on flat ground or going downhill. Is this normal? Or is this a sign of a tranny thats going out? Things seem to be operating normally apart from that. Thanks

Forums

Diesel Engine Specific Aid

Chassis Model Number

W123

Things to check

Check your drive line flex disks first for looseness. Then check the center bearing rubber carrier to see if the rubber is torn. Then check your universal joint in the center of the drive shaft. If all those check out ok then check for cracked torque converter flex plate.

Thanks Kent, I checked those

Thanks Kent,

I checked those things and the only thing that looks a little out of place is this center region (i have no real experience with working with the drive shaft). This area may be the universal joint, it looks like a grooved peg that must fit into another grooved holder like the axle. This region looks like it has come open some (just b/c there is less dirt on it than the rest). What would cause it to open? and will it hold or is it something I should take care of immediately on my trip? Thanks for you advice as always Kent.

Drew

Recommendation

Not be able to hear the noise myself it is almost impossible to advise you if you should continue driving or not. I recommend you take the car into a good tire shop that does suspension work and have them put it up in the air and inspect for you.