U-Joint noise?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 366
Likes: 19
U-Joint noise?
I think a bad noise coming from the rear of my 73 is a u-joint binding. Not sure. During my rebuild, replaced the half shaft joints, the drive shaft joints, had the shafts balanced. The trailing arms were done by Van Steel. The rear end was serviced. I understand it is preferred that the half shafts are level. Mine could be about 2" out of level, could that be the problem? When I "upgraded" the suspension, the transverse leaf springs require an extra long bolt to lower the rear end. I went as low as I dare, and still have a safe ground clearance. I don't think it is the new parking brakes. I tightened up the cable so they have some holding power. If I push the car in neutral with the engine off, I can hear a clunking. Thank you guys for any direction here.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
What kind of a noise?
I've had a new u-joint start to squeak after rebuild but not clunk or anything.
any chances it could be the main drive shaft ?
M
I've had a new u-joint start to squeak after rebuild but not clunk or anything.
any chances it could be the main drive shaft ?
M
Last edited by Mooser; Oct 17, 2015 at 07:22 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 366
Likes: 19
Rear noise
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Certainly sound's like a u-joint.
Bent flanges on the outboard u-joint bracket that fastens to the wheel side are common and put a fair load on that u-joint. Wouldn't show during balancing but could be your issue. When the joints were pressed in was a backing plate used?
When you push the car and hear the noise, watch the tire and see if it is matching the rotation. Chalk line on the two tires where the cluck happens. Then look and see if there is any relation to where the u-joints are on the half shaft. In theory they would bind straight up or down. That should also show which side (drivers passenger) it's coming from
If there noise doesn't sync with the tire rotation (quicker) it's more likely to be drive shaft or worse, the differential.
When you said the diff was serviced, what exactly was done and although it shouldn't matter in a straight line, did they put in posi treatment?
M
Bent flanges on the outboard u-joint bracket that fastens to the wheel side are common and put a fair load on that u-joint. Wouldn't show during balancing but could be your issue. When the joints were pressed in was a backing plate used?
When you push the car and hear the noise, watch the tire and see if it is matching the rotation. Chalk line on the two tires where the cluck happens. Then look and see if there is any relation to where the u-joints are on the half shaft. In theory they would bind straight up or down. That should also show which side (drivers passenger) it's coming from
If there noise doesn't sync with the tire rotation (quicker) it's more likely to be drive shaft or worse, the differential.
When you said the diff was serviced, what exactly was done and although it shouldn't matter in a straight line, did they put in posi treatment?
M
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 156
From: Clayton New Jersey
Frank I had a similar noise after a new rear spring was installed on my 71. It was due to the ride height being off. The half shaft was hitting the joint where it connects to the wheel.
