rear end clunking sound
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
rear end clunking sound
my 76 rear end is making a clunking noise in slow turns either left or right.I cant really pinpoint where it's comming from.I also replaced both u joints on left drive and no help.just woundering if anyone has had a similar problem?Both traling arms have been rebuilt.Thinking bearings in rear end,not sure.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 332
Likes: 1
From: Watkins Glen New York
I had this recently too.
Those large, rubber mounted links at the ends of the leaf spring were toast and bouncing around a bit.
It was an inexpensive fix and easy to do. Most importantly, it solved the problem.
Those large, rubber mounted links at the ends of the leaf spring were toast and bouncing around a bit.
It was an inexpensive fix and easy to do. Most importantly, it solved the problem.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
From: Central KY
Check the front mount for pumpkin..
As long as you are looking for worn/bad parts, take a look at the rubber "donuts" that are on the top and bottom of the differential front mount... They are quite often gone and that allows the front of the pumpkin to move up and down causing a horrible clunking sound - related to on and off the gas though, not so much just due to going into a turn as you describe.... Nevertheless, this is an easy thing to check for while you are in that area...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
I would check all the easy stuff already listed and diagnose whether or not it is the clutches in the diff unit.
Also check out the rubber bushings at the shock ends as well as the strut rods.
At least looking at all the rubber stuff is free. Changing the rear diff fluid is another matter.
Also check out the rubber bushings at the shock ends as well as the strut rods.
At least looking at all the rubber stuff is free. Changing the rear diff fluid is another matter.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 3
From: Halifax, NS, Canada
The noise is coming from the clutches in your posi differential. Go to your GM dealer and get a 4 oz bottle of posi additive, add it to your diff and then go to a parking lot and do a few figure eights to work the lubricant in around your clutches.
Last edited by Binnie77; Apr 28, 2010 at 07:39 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 348
Likes: 2
From: Lowell MA
Had a similar problem many years ago. Only after the car was driven for about 15 minutes and only on a turn was when I would get a clunking noise from the rear end. In my case, it was the clutches. This was in 1970. Rebuilt under factory warranty.
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 695
Likes: 5
From: tx
Definitely add the posi additive from GM. Experienced the same problem years ago in my first '71. Most guys ignore the diff fluid and look for the mechanical pieces - ujoints, bearings, etc. Be sure to buy the "GM" additive. 
