Hi all

I've noticed that especially in 5th gear, when going downhill in gear with my foot off the throttle, when the road levels out and I start applying a bit of throttle again, I get a brief clunk as though there's some slack in the drivetrain.

I've searched the forums but as different people might describe it differently, I've been unable to find any previous posts on the subject.

It's a 2005 X-Type 2.2d with 108k and manual transmission by the way. If anyone can cast any light on this, I'd be glad to hear what it might be, whether it indicates the beginning of a serious problem, and what might cure it!

Thanks in advance.

Andy

My first thought is an inner cv joint. These shouldn't be too difficult to test yourself if you can see them from above. The usual way I do it is put the car in a lowish gear with the handbrake off and, with a hand on the joint to feels for clunks, rock the car back and forth to take up the slack in the drive-train and come up against compression both ways. If it's really worn you may be able to feel it just by turning the drive shaft by hand.

It would also be worth checking the engine mounts. I don't know how susceptible X-types are to them failing but front wheel drive cars will tend to lift the engine on acceleration. Pulling away with the bonnet up so you can see the how much the engine moves is a good first test. 

Thank you for the advice Laszlo, I'll try out your suggestions this weekend and report back!