Rear end clunk, vibration, maybe even shift.HELP!

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Jul 28, 2005 | 03:10 PM

jdawgC4

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 49

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From: Crown Point IN

Rear end clunk, vibration, maybe even shift.HELP!

Recently I have had some problems coming from the rear end. Seems to be getting worse. The car is a 92 with 93K miles. Here is what it is doing:

1) Knocking, feels like it close to under drivers seat or to the right rear. Usually it is sparatic, either on turns or when starting to take off. It also happens in neutral when coasting. Also can make it have a continuous clunk when going in reverse at 4 m.p.h.

2) Vibration when accelerating and the rear end is under load. Can be felt throughout the whole car.

3) This may just be me but I think the car shifts from left to right in the rear if you are going about 30-45 and just tap the gas. I dont know if this is a related problem or totally different.

Im hoping this is just the universals going but I tried to move the half shafts and drive shaft around and didnt really see any play. I dont know if I tested it the right way though. I put the rear of the car on jack stands. and did it like that. If anything it looked like the play was in the differential.

Please give me some suggestions.
THANKS in advance

Jul 28, 2005 | 07:18 PM

jdawgC4

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 49

Likes: 1

From: Crown Point IN

Anybody?

Jul 28, 2005 | 07:24 PM

Kinkajou

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 1,109

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It would be a good idea to check the wheel bearings.

Jul 28, 2005 | 08:11 PM

shadetreeperf

Instructor

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 162

Likes: 0

From: Lady Lake FL

Could it possibly be a bushing or loose suspension related bolt? The stock rubber doesn't hold up too well. I'm new to the "C4-specific" suspension though. My '85 Iroc with a locker used to do the swaying back and forth thing, and it was the bushings in my Granetelli LCA's. Just a suggestion.

KC

Jul 28, 2005 | 09:26 PM

polo91cnvt

Instructor

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 141

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From: Downers Grove IL

I agree with check the wheel bearings. I had one go and it will effect handling over time, just go a little fast into a corner and the rear end will swap you around faster than you can correct. The half shafts will be ok with very little noticable movement. Best trick maybe go to the noisy side and pull the half shaft.

Good Luck.

Jul 28, 2005 | 10:11 PM

CoolVette86

Race Director

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 12,182

Likes: 1

From: Partying with the Cowboys cheerleaders in Mt. Olive, New Jersey

#3 sounds like the U-joints. Jack up the rear then take a good look around that region. By the way, roll the rear wheels on each side by hand forwards and backwards to see if there's excessive play. If there's wear, you'll definitely be able to tell. Good luck.

Aug 3, 2005 | 10:30 AM

jdawgC4

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 49

Likes: 1

From: Crown Point IN

ALL FIXED! It was the universals. Mainly just the one on the right rear wheel side half shaft. The roller bearings were completely missing. It was hard to notice play while rotating the wheel back and forth but then i noticed the half shaft moved in and out. All noises are gone!