'Jingling bells' sound

[Sjmmarsh]

With the window down, I can hear what best sounds like someone has tied some jungle bells under the car. The sound is pretty constant while I am moving and doesn't seem to change with revs or road speed.

I have had a look under the car, but can't see anything loose or make it rattle, although I haven't jacked it up yet (still waiting for advice on where the safest jacking points are).

It is a S3 2+2 V12 1973 RHD.

Steve

[jag68]

On the back of the rear hub - not the carrier, there is a metal ring/flange that seems to be a dirt shield. It's welded to the splined hub with several small welds. It occasionally breaks off the hub and rotates freely. When it does it make a tinkling jingling noise that you can hear with the window rolled down particularily when you pass something that reflects the noise back to you, eg stone wall, fence etc. It either needs to be welded back or taken off.
Hopefully that's your sound. It's happened to me on two cars.

[christopher storey]

Or similarly the " mushroom" dustshields on the driveshafts can come loose ( or rot away where the jubilee clip secures them to the driveshaft ), and start touching all sorts of bits and pieces

[Sjmmarsh]

Thanks guys - it gives me somewhere to look. I hoped it might be a common problem.

Steve

[PeterCrespin]

Obviously check for stray reindeer while you're under there.

[Dave K]

Obviously check for stray reindeer while you're under there.

:D :D :D :D

[Cgarside]

Had a similar problem problem a couple of years ago. Eventually tracked it down to lose upper shock absorber bolts on the front picture frame. Over time the paint under the bolt head and nut had 'relaxed' hence allowing the bolt become slack. Tightened the nut and bolt and problem disappeared !
Regards,
Chris