Technical product information
Knock/clunk noise from the rear of the vehicle (Rear axle)
Australia E04 Bentley rest Asia and Australia (6E04),China 723 Volkswagen (Anhui) Automotive CO (6723),China 796 VW Import
Comp. Ltd (Vico), Beijing (6796),Germany E02 Bentley rest Europe (6E02),Japan E03 Bentley Japan (6E03),Korea, (South) E08
Bentley South Korea (6E08),United Arab Emirates E06 Bentley Middle East and Africa (6E06),United Kingdom E01 Bentley UK
(6E01),United States E05 Bentley USA and rest America (6E05)
Bentley

Topic
Market
area
Brand
Transaction
No.
Level
Status
Release
date

2064477/5
EH
Released for publishing
03-Oct-2023

New customer code
Object of complaint
power transmission -> operation, shift and power flow control
running gear -> running gear, springs, shock absorbers -> axle housing (subframe)
power transmission -> power distribution, power flow -> power flow -> axle drive power flow
power transmission -> power distribution, power flow

Vehicle data
New Flying Spur
Sales types
Type MY

Brand Designation Engine code Gearbox code Final drive code

ZG2*
ZG2*
ZG2*
ZG2*
ZG2*

E
E
E
E
E

2020
2021
2022
2023
2024

*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*

New Continental GT
Sales types
Type
3S3*
3S3*
3S3*
3S3*
3S3*
3S3*
3S3*

MY
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024

Brand Designation Engine code Gearbox code Final drive code
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*

New Continental GTC
Sales types
Type
3S4*
3S4*
3S4*
3S4*
3S4*
3S4*

MY
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024

INTERNAL

Brand Designation Engine code Gearbox code Final drive code
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*

Complaint type
Position
noise, vibration
visual appeal / surface -> corrosion
rear
functionality -> without function / defect rear
functionality

Documents
Document name
master.xml

INTERNAL

Technical product information
Knock/clunk noise from the rear of the vehicle (Rear axle)

Transaction No.: 2064477/5
Release date: 03-Oct-2023

Customer statement / workshop findings
Knock/clunking noise heard from the rear of the vehicle when changing direction at low speed

Technical background
Ensure the fault is as described within the Customer statement
Refer to the videos on the Bentley Hub referencing TPI 2064477/In the event the knock/clunk is as shown within the videos the instructions within the Measure section should be followed noting the following:
Video number 4 for TPI 2064477/- (on the Bentley Hub) specifically relates to the symptom described within step 3 of the
Measure section (Heatshield in contact with the rear differential)

Production change
Not applicable

Measure
1) Raise a new DISS query or respond on a previously open query ensuring the following detail is attached:
•

Vehicle speed when the issue is evident

•

With or without steering wheel input/movement?

•

Ambient conditions when the issue is evident

•

Engine coolant temperature

•

Referring to the vehicle repair history, Are there any previously reported disassembly and/or issues regarding the rear axle area?

•

Confirm the vehicle has no non-factory spec items fitted (such as aftermarket wheel assemblies, bodykits, exhausts etc.)

•

Carry out a comparison check with a vehicle of the same specification, Does the comparison car have the same symptom/noise?

2) Conduct a visual inspection of the rear sub frame checking for the following:
•

Damage

•

Leaks

•

Signs of impact and/or out of specification assembly

3) Referring to Figures 1 and 2
•

Check to confirm the heat shields are not in contact or have witness marks showing evidence of contact with the rear differential and/or
surrounding components

NOTE: In the event the issue shown regarding the heatshield is evident, the operative should rectify (relocate the heatshield)
and retest

INTERNAL

Figure 1

INTERNAL

Figure 2
4) Carry out a full inspection of the propeller shaft - Examine the propeller shaft from front to rear checking the following:
•

Excessive play at the joints

•

Propeller shaft centre mount

•

Leakage

•

Dimensional accuracy

•

Security

•

Damage

•

Signs of contact with external objects

In the event the propeller shaft is suspected to be at fault, the operative should Refer to Rep.Gr 39 - Fit a known good
propeller shaft (Ensure single use items are replaced as Rep.Gr guidelines)
•

Reassess to check the noise is no longer evident

5) With reference to TPI 2056407/- (“Running Gear Noise Identification”) Capture video recordings inside and outside vehicle as follows:
•

Use WT 10437 (Chassis Ear Tool) to identify the source of problem by attaching the clamp and module assemblies to the areas of
concern. For example, front and rear of the differential casing, as well as the upper control arms on the suspension (see Figures 1 to 3 for
examples)

IMPORTANT: Ensure secure fitment of the clamp and module assemblies, ensuring there is no clash with exhaust system

INTERNAL

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3
For vehicles with rear wheel steering only
•

Select snow chain mode

•

Attempt to replicate the reported complaint, If the problem is no longer evident investigate all bushes and mounts related to the rear axle
steering rack assembly, ensure all observations are attached/included within a new or existing DISS query

All variants continued:
6) Raise the suspension height and attempt to replicate the problem
•

If the problem is no longer evident, conduct further investigations to the rear drive shafts including inspections of the drive shaft boots for
signs of grease leakage

•

Confirm the brake calliper fixings, hub assemblies, upright fixings and bushings are secure as per the applicable Rep.Gr

•

Confirm all above are performing to specification

If the issue is suspected to be from the differential assembly, take sample of the oil and assess for debris and/or
discolouration
7) Submit the DISS query ensuring the following:
•

All requested information is attached to the query

INTERNAL

•

All steps 1 to 5 have been conducted

NOTE: Do not carry out any further work until instructed by Product Support

INTERNAL