Center Driveshaft or Leaking Exhaust Clicking Noise
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
G500
Center Driveshaft or Leaking Exhaust Clicking Noise
Hi guys, I'm new here. My 2007 G has a clicking noise.
The metal tapping/clicking noise can be heard from underneath when accelerating above 20 mph with the window down, and it is especially noticeable next to cars or barriers. The noise can be more evident during hard accelerations. It might be reproduced on the lift. Whether or not turning the steering wheel doesn't makes a difference. It cannot be reproduced by only revving up without putting it into gear.
I've fixed the heat-shield rattle, so it should be a different noise since the issue isn't reproducible just by revving up.
From what I read, it may be related to the center driveshaft that connects the transmission and transfer case. I checked the CV boot of the shaft and saw a small crack around it, but there was no noticeable play when trying to wiggle the shaft laterally by hand.
I've been to 2 local Genman auto shops. They all said it's an exhaust leak and asked me to take it to an exhaust shop, but how does that explain it only clicking when driving, not when parking and revving up?
By the way, does anyone have a repair/service manual for the W463 G500? Or a good source of it? I'm looking into diagnosing and researching exhaust-leaking fixing solutions, and DIY. On YouTube, the resource is way too limited.
The metal tapping/clicking noise can be heard from underneath when accelerating above 20 mph with the window down, and it is especially noticeable next to cars or barriers. The noise can be more evident during hard accelerations. It might be reproduced on the lift. Whether or not turning the steering wheel doesn't makes a difference. It cannot be reproduced by only revving up without putting it into gear.
I've fixed the heat-shield rattle, so it should be a different noise since the issue isn't reproducible just by revving up.
From what I read, it may be related to the center driveshaft that connects the transmission and transfer case. I checked the CV boot of the shaft and saw a small crack around it, but there was no noticeable play when trying to wiggle the shaft laterally by hand.
I've been to 2 local Genman auto shops. They all said it's an exhaust leak and asked me to take it to an exhaust shop, but how does that explain it only clicking when driving, not when parking and revving up?
By the way, does anyone have a repair/service manual for the W463 G500? Or a good source of it? I'm looking into diagnosing and researching exhaust-leaking fixing solutions, and DIY. On YouTube, the resource is way too limited.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 784
Likes: 249
From: USA
That cracked CV boot on your center driveshaft is a major clue. Even without noticeable play, a worn CV joint inside can make that exact ticking noise under acceleration. The exhaust shops are likely wrong; a leak would be a constant hiss or pop, not a rhythmic click only when moving.
You need a G-wagen specialist, not a general shop. The noise matching wheel speed points directly to a driveline issue. For manuals, try the G-wagen forums or search for "W463 service manual PDF." They can often be found in owner communities.
You need a G-wagen specialist, not a general shop. The noise matching wheel speed points directly to a driveline issue. For manuals, try the G-wagen forums or search for "W463 service manual PDF." They can often be found in owner communities.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
G500
That cracked CV boot on your center driveshaft is a major clue. Even without noticeable play, a worn CV joint inside can make that exact ticking noise under acceleration. The exhaust shops are likely wrong; a leak would be a constant hiss or pop, not a rhythmic click only when moving.
You need a G-wagen specialist, not a general shop. The noise matching wheel speed points directly to a driveline issue. For manuals, try the G-wagen forums or search for "W463 service manual PDF." They can often be found in owner communities.
You need a G-wagen specialist, not a general shop. The noise matching wheel speed points directly to a driveline issue. For manuals, try the G-wagen forums or search for "W463 service manual PDF." They can often be found in owner communities.
