Rear end clunk????
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,022
Likes: 37
From: SW Fla
Rear end clunk????
I know this has been asked before and I have searched the archives also, but I have to ask again, because I am at a loss for what may be causing this. I have changed all u joints in the driveshaft and half shafts. I have added the additive to the rearend. I have even put a new ring and pinion and it is still there. So what gives??? It clunks everytime I go around a slow corner or take off from a slow roll, when it downshifts to accelerate. I dont know what else to do. Do I just live with this? I have heard that some people have lived with this forever and no problems, but it just dosent seem normal to me. The car runs great and pulls like a bat out of hell, just the damn annoying low speed clunk. Can anyone help me, PLEASE???
Thanks
Jason
Thanks
Jason
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Suburbs
Re: Rear end clunk???? (JPLT1)
I was wondering if you have an automatic or stick? My car does the same thing when I nail it after a turn but I assumed it was the auto trans jolting the drive train. It never seems that bad and only happens when I nail it harder than normal so I don't plan on trying too hard to figure out this one. The other thing I thought it could be is the limited slip unloading after the motor spins the drive shaft harder.
Oh boy, now you have me curious..... :eek:
Oh boy, now you have me curious..... :eek:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,022
Likes: 37
From: SW Fla
Re: Rear end clunk???? (weracemo)
Mine is an auto. I used to think the same as you, but lately it seems as though it is getting worse. I dont know, maybe I am just being over cautious. We'll see what others say.:)
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 99
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From: Pascagoula Ms
Re: Rear end clunk???? (JPLT1)
I made a post eariler about my 94 coupe haveing some slippage on hard acceleration especially in a turn from stop. Is this the limited slip you are talking about? You mentioned an additive. What additive and would it help this problem. thanks.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,022
Likes: 37
From: SW Fla
Re: Rear end clunk???? (tbmoore)
The only slippage I get is from my tires not being able to hook. The additive is from GM, its a small 8oz.(I think) bottle. My problem is more of a clunk, kind of like there is some play somewhere in my drivetrain. It has always been there, and some people have said that it is normal. I cant imagine that if it is normal that it can be very good for parts, but than again, what do I know.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,022
Likes: 37
From: SW Fla
Re: Rear end clunk???? (ittlfly)
C beam is tight, even put the goop or whatever it is called back in the bolt hole when I replaced the rear gears, as per the factory. Anyone else???
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 59
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From: Dallas Texas
Re: Rear end clunk???? (JPLT1)
My 96 does the same thing. It started after I slid into a curb after an iced over bridge. I had both driver side wheels replaced and then about 2 months later, a clunking noise from same side. I took it back to the shop that performed the repairs. They said it was a defective hub assembly (also replaced from accident). They put a new one on and no noises for another 2 months. Now, it's like clockwork. Sort of sounds like enough pressure builds up and "pow". Drives me crazy. Could it have anything to do with having 17x11s on the rear?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,022
Likes: 37
From: SW Fla
Re: Rear end clunk???? (383LT4)
I doubt the 11 inch wide wheels would have anything to do with it, mine did it with the sawblades on it when I first purchased the car. A new hub assembly fixed it for a little while, then it came back. :confused: Thats strange. Like you said, it drives me crazy. At least Im finding out that Im not the only one who has this problem. Im more or less just concerned that it could be something on the verge of breaking or failing, although Ive had the car for 3 years with thrs problem and nothing has failed yet (knocking on wood).
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 441
Likes: 2
From: Lilburn Ga
Re: Rear end clunk???? (JPLT1)
Mine does the same thing. It drive me nuts..
I have a new wheel bearing installed, U joints have been checked, and nothing, I cant find it! Any advice please let me know....
I have a new wheel bearing installed, U joints have been checked, and nothing, I cant find it! Any advice please let me know....
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 473
Likes: 8
From: Shreveport LA
Re: Rear end clunk???? (JPLT1)
I'm a 'clunk' victim as well. I've always figured it was the transmission since mine is singing its swan song. Going with a new MegaRaptor 700R4 at the first of the year so I'll let you know if that clears it up. If not, remedying the 'clunk' will be the first on my list of to-do's. :smash:
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
Re: Rear end clunk???? (JPLT1)
Would the Corvette Action Center in Bowling Green be able to shed some light on this? Obviously it is a common problem. There are 3 or 4 other current posts about this same topic. Maybe it's just ultra-cool black C4s with chrome 5 stars!
:iagree:
[Modified by 383LT4, 7:55 PM 12/11/2002]
:iagree:
[Modified by 383LT4, 7:55 PM 12/11/2002]
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 4
From: Houston TX
Re: Rear end clunk???? (JPLT1)
I *might* be able to shed some light on this, as I am a former clunking victim in the turns and on hard accel, it went away, and am a new clunking victim on all accel.
My current problem is due to the fact that my bearings in the diff are shot, and so my gears have too much lash in them...simple fix, rebuild the diff.
The turning clunking, in my experience is due to having an excessively tight preload on the posi. The Vette posi's, unlike the f-bodies, have a clutch pack where the clutches are shaped like Ruffles. Springs press them together, and torque resistance the posi has is that force needed to turn the ridges in relation to one another. If your preload is too high, any time the ridges cross each other and settle back into place, there will be a clunking sound as the clutches slam back together. Just throw on some seriously sticky tires (315 Hoosiers are my personal preference), go flog the car and wear the posi in some. Once it's worn in some, the sound should go away. Plus, it's FUN! If not, you have something else wrong (but you've already fixed the gearset issue and u-joints...assuming the lash was properly set when the diff was rebuilt)
My current problem is due to the fact that my bearings in the diff are shot, and so my gears have too much lash in them...simple fix, rebuild the diff.
The turning clunking, in my experience is due to having an excessively tight preload on the posi. The Vette posi's, unlike the f-bodies, have a clutch pack where the clutches are shaped like Ruffles. Springs press them together, and torque resistance the posi has is that force needed to turn the ridges in relation to one another. If your preload is too high, any time the ridges cross each other and settle back into place, there will be a clunking sound as the clutches slam back together. Just throw on some seriously sticky tires (315 Hoosiers are my personal preference), go flog the car and wear the posi in some. Once it's worn in some, the sound should go away. Plus, it's FUN! If not, you have something else wrong (but you've already fixed the gearset issue and u-joints...assuming the lash was properly set when the diff was rebuilt)
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,037
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
Re: Rear end clunk???? (JPLT1)
I've got it too. The car has 150K miles and started after I juiced up the motor and flogged the car a little. I was hoping it was the driveshaft, but I think the Dana is dying. My clunk hits half a second after I start accelerating and just before I stop.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,668
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
Re: Rear end clunk???? (JPLT1)
This one might be easy.
If this is what happened to me. I pulled off the rear caliper brackets, brake rotors, and then undid the 3 bolts holding the hub to the rear suspension. I wire-brushed, and coated the splines with anti-seize per the forums suggestions.
Clunk went away. Clunk kind of sounded like a 'click' more or less when I would go to accelerate every once in a while. Very noticeable. But it wasn't something you felt. It was something you heard.
If your problem is like that, might want to try what I did. If you take it to a dealer, they will rip you off.
If this is what happened to me. I pulled off the rear caliper brackets, brake rotors, and then undid the 3 bolts holding the hub to the rear suspension. I wire-brushed, and coated the splines with anti-seize per the forums suggestions.
Clunk went away. Clunk kind of sounded like a 'click' more or less when I would go to accelerate every once in a while. Very noticeable. But it wasn't something you felt. It was something you heard.
If your problem is like that, might want to try what I did. If you take it to a dealer, they will rip you off.