clank/ rattle over bumps
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: WV
clank/ rattle over bumps
Having a strange sound when going over bumps in my 75 it does not do it every bump just randomly.. I get a loud metal clank that sounds like I am almost dragging something on the ground from the rear end. I have pulled both rear wheels and checked the shocks and everything for tightness and everything seems to be normal... Would a bad u joint do this please give me some help it is driving me crazy
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
Sounds like you are on the right track by checking how tight your components are. MY recommendation would be to safely place the car on jackstands or on a hoist, place the trans in neutral and crawl under the car and start moving things around, banging on the underside with your fist or a rubber mallet. Sounds cheesy, I know, but in the process you will most likely find whatever it is that's making the sound. Grab the drivelines and move them back and forth. Any play there will signal that it's time to replace the u-joints.
I would specifically look at things like the drivelines, exhaust pipes, shocks, and brakes components (backing plates), as those seem to cause oddball noises if they are loose or damaged. You might try doing this after you have driven the car for a while, as this would allow the components to warm up and "loosen up", so to speak.
I don't know if this is any help or not, but I hope it leads you down the right path. Good luck my friend!
Trevor
I would specifically look at things like the drivelines, exhaust pipes, shocks, and brakes components (backing plates), as those seem to cause oddball noises if they are loose or damaged. You might try doing this after you have driven the car for a while, as this would allow the components to warm up and "loosen up", so to speak.
I don't know if this is any help or not, but I hope it leads you down the right path. Good luck my friend!
Trevor
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Most likely locations to check are the bushings on the front stabilizer bar links and the bushings in the trailing arm assemblies. There are lots of other possibilities (exhaust pipes hitting frame, etc.; jack and jack arm hitting in the storage compartment;damaged shock mount;......). Try to associate the 'timing' of the sound as it relates to wheel movement; drive over a good sized speed-bump at an odd angle so that all four wheels move separately. If you can link it to a particular wheel, you can narrow your search.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: WV
Alright guys went under today and I discovered the bolts that hold the flywheel cover were loose tightened it up and it helped out a good bit.. Now I just have a clank and it almost seems like its in the roatating mass of the driver rear wheel when I go over bumps... Everything appears to be in order with the brakes and the rally wheels are good and tight? Any more ideas? I am scared I may break something
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
Alright guys went under today and I discovered the bolts that hold the flywheel cover were loose tightened it up and it helped out a good bit.. Now I just have a clank and it almost seems like its in the roatating mass of the driver rear wheel when I go over bumps... Everything appears to be in order with the brakes and the rally wheels are good and tight? Any more ideas? I am scared I may break something
Trevor
Oh...and I suppose another thing that it might be....just thought of it.....it COULD be the rear end. If you have positraction, the plates in there are known for making noise when they start to get tired. I think if you make a slow turn (either to the right or left) it can make a clanking "pop" sound. You will feel it in the whole car too...if that's the problem. Just a thought.
Last edited by mydejavooo; Nov 9, 2009 at 07:24 PM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 492
Likes: 3
From: Temecula CA
Could it possibly be the spare tire carrier? The pair of front bolts are adjustable and the single bolt in the back can be snugged up too. Just a thought.
I had an awful clunk coming from the rear end of my Vette as well. I tracked it down to a loose upper shock bolt on the right side. I read a post where the hole in the shock mount (the part welded to the frame) became elongated, and allowed movement of the upper part of the shock. Maybe check that too.
Good Luck!
Temvette72
I had an awful clunk coming from the rear end of my Vette as well. I tracked it down to a loose upper shock bolt on the right side. I read a post where the hole in the shock mount (the part welded to the frame) became elongated, and allowed movement of the upper part of the shock. Maybe check that too.
Good Luck!
Temvette72
