driveline backlash?

[adz_07]

Hello everyone,

New to the forum. Recently purchased a 2002 323 BJ Astina manual hatchback with 133k kms. Great little car so far.

I am experiencing some unusual driveline backlash which occurs when pressing and suddenly releasing the throttle and also sometimes during gear changes. It feels like cracked engine mounts or a worn diff in a rear wheel drive car. No noises at any point.

I have inspected all engine mounts and there are no signs of cracks. I have also replaced the drive shafts. I have inspected for abnormal gearbox backlash while the wheels were off the ground and could not notice anything beyond normal.

I consider myself fairly mechanically capable however at this point I am out of ideas. Is it common for engine mounts to become very soft when they are older and cause movement even if they are not cracked? I cant see any unusual movement of the engine with the bonnet up when revving in neutral or trying to crawl forward with the handbrake on.

Does anyone have any ideas or similar experiences? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks