Another "clunking noise" question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
Another "clunking noise" question
okay guys, i had the typical clunking diff. when car was cold and had been sitting for a day or two. then i drove for a short while and the diff. would get properly lubricated and warmed up and noise would go away. went to dealer and they followed most recent TSB and changed fluid and problem went away.. sort of..
now i have a clunking sound back again but only on slow left turns but it even makes the sound when car is in nuetral. even sometimes when car is running and at a full stop it makes a similar slighter version of the same sound..
it is definitely not coming from the engine and sounds like driveline to me.. seems to be coming from under the car and near center.. my question is this,,,, are there any parts in the tranny or diff that are in motion even if the car is not that can be making this noise??
the noise ALWAYS goes away after a short drive and car warms up..
tks, dal
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
I'm having that issue now and already know what mine is caused by because its the second time...the "end links" are worn out. I've got the Z51 package and don't know if the non-Z51 have these links or not, but that's the cause of my clunking. Ordered new ones right before I found another thread in here that shows a higher quality end link available in the aftermarket category.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 644
Likes: 1
From: Edmond Oklahoma
^^^^My first thought was endlinks also until he mentioned the noise occurred even when he was at a stop and not moving. If that's the case, it doesn't seem like endlinks are the problem. However, my "popping" sound started with slow left turns and progressed pretty quickly to any turn or changes in road surface or level. Changed out the endlinks and no more noise - easy to do any pretty cheap fix.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 3
Clunking Noise Also
Sorry can't help you, I'm new here and not sure if going through correct channels, so forgive me if not. Just purchased '05 non-Z51 about 7 weeks ago. Hearing clunking noise also. At first thought maybe (probably more hopingly) was exhaust rumble, but now thinking differently. Last night was installing GAC splash guards, so had to remove rear wheels. Found HEAVY grease on inside of driver side wheel. Was more on one side, like if maybe for each revolution would spit out grease in same area. Should I panic? Anybody else have grease spit out on inner wheel?
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,254
Likes: 5
From: Anaheim Hills, Ca
Sorry can't help you, I'm new here and not sure if going through correct channels, so forgive me if not. Just purchased '05 non-Z51 about 7 weeks ago. Hearing clunking noise also. At first thought maybe (probably more hopingly) was exhaust rumble, but now thinking differently. Last night was installing GAC splash guards, so had to remove rear wheels. Found HEAVY grease on inside of driver side wheel. Was more on one side, like if maybe for each revolution would spit out grease in same area. Should I panic? Anybody else have grease spit out on inner wheel?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
^^^^My first thought was endlinks also until he mentioned the noise occurred even when he was at a stop and not moving. If that's the case, it doesn't seem like endlinks are the problem. However, my "popping" sound started with slow left turns and progressed pretty quickly to any turn or changes in road surface or level. Changed out the endlinks and no more noise - easy to do any pretty cheap fix.
ahhhhhhhh, now that is interesting... i forgot about this and consequently left that out of my post but it also occurs with changes in road surface too.. like going slow in a bumpy parking lot..
i may be looking at two different problems that are both just happening at once. i called the dealership and they said there is a cluster gear in the tranny that will start to move the minute the car is started even when standing still. they say these cluster gears have been known to make a similar light clunking noise too. although they cause no damage and there is no fix for them..
so how do i check to see if the noise is coming from these endlinks? how can i tell if they are in fact going bad? and who sells the better than oe versions??
tks guys, dal
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 644
Likes: 1
From: Edmond Oklahoma
I could get my rear endlinks to pop (clunk) by making sharp turns to the left or right while driving slowly. The sound was pretty loud too - in fact, when it first started, I thought I had run over something that was smacking the bottom of the car. What you're saying about the uneven road surface pretty much convinces me you have worn endlink(s). I used the oem because they were cheap and available - if I do it again, I'll get the aftermarket.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 3
It is not a Z51. The grease was HEAVY, like almost a handfull, and I don't know how much flew off before I saw it. There was a little on the rear paint behind the wheel that I thought was something I picked up on the highway, before I took the wheel off. I didn't notice any more noise than usual. Could it be a seal/bearing at the wheel on the axle, and should I take it in right away?
Thx,
Neal
Thx,
Neal
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Cruising
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area CA
I'm having that issue now and already know what mine is caused by because its the second time...the "end links" are worn out. I've got the Z51 package and don't know if the non-Z51 have these links or not, but that's the cause of my clunking. Ordered new ones right before I found another thread in here that shows a higher quality end link available in the aftermarket category.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 3
Thanks for replying to my grease problem. Found out is a small cut in the outer boot at the rear wheel. After wiping away all grease, then separating each accordion, found small cut. Anybody know if any special tools required to replace boot?
Thx,
Neal
Thx,
Neal
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
yes i think so.. mine only makes the noise when going over bumps at slow speeds and only when cold.. i think it is still coming from the differential. otherwise why would it go away when car warms up?
i do not think there is any harm it is just annoying. so now i turn up radio until car warms up. if i do not hear it, i feel better.
i do not think there is any harm it is just annoying. so now i turn up radio until car warms up. if i do not hear it, i feel better.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 484
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From: Long Island, NY
I've also noticed a horrible vibrating crunching noise just the other day on slow left hand turns while in the parking lot. I thought my power steering fluid was low, but that checked out OK.
I had the new differential fluid fix. Is this related to the clutch packs or is it something else?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
My '07 Z51 makes embarrassing squeaks (as if the squeaky brakes weren't enough) when going over the slightest uneven road surfaces.
I've also noticed a horrible vibrating crunching noise just the other day on slow left hand turns while in the parking lot. I thought my power steering fluid was low, but that checked out OK.
I had the new differential fluid fix. Is this related to the clutch packs or is it something else?
I've also noticed a horrible vibrating crunching noise just the other day on slow left hand turns while in the parking lot. I thought my power steering fluid was low, but that checked out OK.
I had the new differential fluid fix. Is this related to the clutch packs or is it something else?
tks, dal
