Issue with rear end
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
Issue with rear end
Yesterday I decided to take the 73 Vette for a ride but once I got to the main road I noticed a new sound, almost rhythmic not quite a grinding sound but still not good.
Today I took off the rear tires to check for worn u-joints but they all seemed to be tight. I put a jack under both trailing arms to set the half shafts some what level. Then I started the motor and put it in gear at idle. The drivers side rotated nice and smooth but the passenger side has a wobble and a slight clicking sound. I am thinking a dry/tight U-joint.
I think I will remove both half shafts and replace the universals.
What do you guys think?
Today I took off the rear tires to check for worn u-joints but they all seemed to be tight. I put a jack under both trailing arms to set the half shafts some what level. Then I started the motor and put it in gear at idle. The drivers side rotated nice and smooth but the passenger side has a wobble and a slight clicking sound. I am thinking a dry/tight U-joint.
I think I will remove both half shafts and replace the universals.
What do you guys think?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
I had the tires off. The end of the trailing arm was trying to wobbling as the axle rotated. Barring's run smooth with no play
I will be able to check it out better once I get the halfshafts off
I will be able to check it out better once I get the halfshafts off
Last edited by redwingvette; Jul 13, 2018 at 09:13 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 3,990
From: Connecticut, USA
It will be interesting to hear what you find. If there is a wobble in the axle it is bearings, if you see the back of the arm moving around it could be a bad joint or the axle sliding in/out of the diff. If you grab a wheel stud and can feel movement pushing and pulling on it then there is at least 003 endplay which is in spec but loose. One thing for sure there's not a lot it can be back there- Inner axle- shafts, outer axle.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
Both half shafts are off. The Issue appears to be the U-joints. The outside ends are so dry/tight that I can not move them without hammering on them. The passenger side much worst then the driver side.
Added note: I believe them to be original, no grease fittings.
Added note: I believe them to be original, no grease fittings.
Last edited by redwingvette; Jul 14, 2018 at 07:46 AM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
all done and back together. No more wobble or noise. Mazza's, a local auto parts store, pressed out/in the new Spicer U-joints.
Taking the half shafts out was a pain but they went back in easier. The four post lift I bought sure has made things a lot easier then laying on my back like I use to have to do.
Taking the half shafts out was a pain but they went back in easier. The four post lift I bought sure has made things a lot easier then laying on my back like I use to have to do.
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