Rear End Clank
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Englewood FL
Rear End Clank
First, lets confirm that I am mechanically impared (for lack of a better term).
When I back my '76 out of the driveweay and put it in Drive there is a metalic clank or Klunk or some such noise that seems to be coming ro the rear of the car. It doesn't happen when I change from R to D but after the car has moved a couple of feet. It is only one clunk as opposed to a series of clunks and only seem to happen when I first drive the car. I can put the car in revese later, back up and go back to drive without the clunk.
Any advise on what to look for would be appreciated.
Thanks.
When I back my '76 out of the driveweay and put it in Drive there is a metalic clank or Klunk or some such noise that seems to be coming ro the rear of the car. It doesn't happen when I change from R to D but after the car has moved a couple of feet. It is only one clunk as opposed to a series of clunks and only seem to happen when I first drive the car. I can put the car in revese later, back up and go back to drive without the clunk.
Any advise on what to look for would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 534
Likes: 0
From: FL
Re: Rear End Clank (RustyVette)
Several possibilities:
1. You have a loose/missing bushing on the front mount of the differential. This was a rubber doughnut originally, and can be replaced with poly (I did). You will usually feel this as a "clunk" in your rear when switching between power-on acceleration and engine-drag deceleration, or between forward and reverse gears.
2. You might have loose yokes on the rear wheel spindle splines. This is often heard only (not felt) as a clink or metallic creaking sound. In some cases this is not a problem, but if it wasn't doing it and now it is that implies something has changed and I wouldn't leave it alone.
3. You might have a U-joint that's gone bad. If it's a driveshaft U-joint you might feel it as a humming vibration at speed. You might not feel a half-shaft U-joint, but in either case look for a rusty residue on or around the U-joints as a telltale sign of failure.
Hope this helps.
-Noel
[Modified by Noel Carboni, 7:44 PM 5/11/2002]
1. You have a loose/missing bushing on the front mount of the differential. This was a rubber doughnut originally, and can be replaced with poly (I did). You will usually feel this as a "clunk" in your rear when switching between power-on acceleration and engine-drag deceleration, or between forward and reverse gears.
2. You might have loose yokes on the rear wheel spindle splines. This is often heard only (not felt) as a clink or metallic creaking sound. In some cases this is not a problem, but if it wasn't doing it and now it is that implies something has changed and I wouldn't leave it alone.
3. You might have a U-joint that's gone bad. If it's a driveshaft U-joint you might feel it as a humming vibration at speed. You might not feel a half-shaft U-joint, but in either case look for a rusty residue on or around the U-joints as a telltale sign of failure.
Hope this helps.
-Noel
[Modified by Noel Carboni, 7:44 PM 5/11/2002]
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
Re: Rear End Clank (Noel Carboni)
Mr. Carboni has covered it in my opinion. You might start with the #1 option below. It is doable in you garage even if you are mechanically challenged and a $20 fix. If you decide to do it, just ask here and someone will guide you through it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Englewood FL
Re: Rear End Clank (RustyVette)
Noel & Bruno,
Thanks for the guidance. Searched the archive for the doughnut and found a website with instructions and a picture! If this is not THE problem, it probably needs to be replaced anyway and I will add that to the list.
Thanks again
Doug C.
[Modified by RustyVette, 12:35 PM 5/12/2002]
Thanks for the guidance. Searched the archive for the doughnut and found a website with instructions and a picture! If this is not THE problem, it probably needs to be replaced anyway and I will add that to the list.
Thanks again
Doug C.
[Modified by RustyVette, 12:35 PM 5/12/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Re: Rear End Clank (RustyVette)
Doug, I will put my money on the front diff. bushing. This is a common complaint from our cars that have never had the bushing replaced. Jack up the car and you will know by visual inpection in less than five minutes. This job takes about an hour only because of the tight spaces you are working in.
Gary
Gary
