1979 Rear End noise
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,230
Likes: 4
From: Allentown, Pa
1979 Rear End noise
I have this clicking or knocking noise in the right rear and a while ago I had it into a shop and they found out that the right reard axle shaft to the wheel was loose and tighted it up. I have that same noise again and I took it to another shop just for inspection and told him about that noise and what it probably was and he said he did not find anything wrong. He put it up on the lift and said he could rotate the rear tires about 3/4 of the way around and they would bind up and not turn.
My question is if that not turning all the way is normal...which I do not think it is and if it is a sign of bad u joints or something back there or could it just be the axle problem again?
any insights would be great :seeya
My question is if that not turning all the way is normal...which I do not think it is and if it is a sign of bad u joints or something back there or could it just be the axle problem again?
any insights would be great :seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 2
From: Apex NC
Re: 1979 Rear End noise (GreyGhost)
With the car in the air, and the suspension hanging, you'll have a bind in the halfshafts that will cause the symptom you describe. It's perfectly normal and not related to your problem.
I'll make the gentle suggestion that you find a mechanic that is versed in Corvette repair, specifically C2 or C2 Corvettes. If the guy you're using doesn't know about this issue of binding when the suspension is hanging, I sure wouldn't trust him to diagnose the real problem. The rear bearings and related issues are very Corvette specific and you should have someone knowledgeable look at the car.
Shannon
I'll make the gentle suggestion that you find a mechanic that is versed in Corvette repair, specifically C2 or C2 Corvettes. If the guy you're using doesn't know about this issue of binding when the suspension is hanging, I sure wouldn't trust him to diagnose the real problem. The rear bearings and related issues are very Corvette specific and you should have someone knowledgeable look at the car.
Shannon
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Re: 1979 Rear End noise (GreyGhost)
Shannon is dean on with this. My 72, with new u-joints, rebuilt trailing arms and a rebuilt differential has a certain area that appears to bind up. Ensure that you are dealing with someone who is familiar with the Corvette's IRS. These IRS's are a strange breed and you really need to know them and Corvettes in particular to be a reliable Corvette mechanic.
This clicking is very difficult to diagnose base on the information that you have provided. If you want some help in this area, you are going to have to give more information about when the clicking is there (in turns, starting stopping, etc). The more detail the better the online help.
Gary
This clicking is very difficult to diagnose base on the information that you have provided. If you want some help in this area, you are going to have to give more information about when the clicking is there (in turns, starting stopping, etc). The more detail the better the online help.
Gary
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 18,478
Likes: 3
From: Quincy IL
Re: 1979 Rear End noise (GaryS)
all vette suspensions when hanging down bind, the half shafts get at such an angle the u-joints on either end bind up. your clicking noise may be your u-joints going bad, bearings usually make a constant noise, kinda low and grumbly. I don't know how the first mechanic "tightened" up an axle, but you need to find a knowledgeable vette mechanic ASAP. if this car hasn't had any trailing arm, bearings, u-joint, differential type work at this stage in its life, better brace your bank account or do the work yourself. good luck,been there, done that!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,177
Likes: 3,994
From: Connecticut, USA
Re: 1979 Rear End noise (GreyGhost)
could be your parking brakes hanging up. They're junk to begin with and if someone was in there who knows what could have been done. I have 75 that has the same noise until I pull up on th eparking brake handle. I haven't had the time to start working on this car yet but I know the previous owner had his garage replace the bearings on that side. Which means I'll probably have to rebuild them when I start the work.
Is there any signs of damage under there? Maybe something is bent- backing plate? If you get hold of the 1/2 shafts you shouldn't be able to se any play in the joints while twisting them- look for signs of rust at the caps too. That's a sign of rusted needle bearings.
good luck, with some insight from this site you'll probably be able to solve the problem better then a non - vette shop could.
Gary
Is there any signs of damage under there? Maybe something is bent- backing plate? If you get hold of the 1/2 shafts you shouldn't be able to se any play in the joints while twisting them- look for signs of rust at the caps too. That's a sign of rusted needle bearings.
good luck, with some insight from this site you'll probably be able to solve the problem better then a non - vette shop could.
Gary
