Clunk from rear end?
12-11-12, 10:51 AM
#1
Clunk from rear end?
Noticed last night on my way home (on the freeway, scary) that my car has developed an intermittent clunk. i got home, checked the lug bolts; they were tight as can be. there's no play or sound if i try to wiggle the rear wheel on the driver's side, where the noise seems to be coming from. it seems to trigger when i first start off, change gears, or make a turn. i'm boggled as to what it could be. rear end going out? i'm mighty confused on this one. i'm at work until 5 and dont get home until 6, so i won't really be able to try anything right away. i'd greatly appreciate if anyone can shed some light on this.
12-11-12, 11:19 AM
#2
Sounds like it could be the driveshaft u-joints. They will make a clunk noise under the conditions you described. Block the front tires, put the rear end up on stands, disengage the parking brake, put the trans in neutral, and try spinning the driveshaft my hand back and forth.
Many people will tell you that the u-joints can not be replaced, they can.
Many people will tell you that the u-joints can not be replaced, they can.
12-11-12, 06:51 PM
#3
Full Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Detroit, MI
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You might want to check the transmission mount. your cars old enough for that to be worn out. I had a similiar clunking noise especially when turning. Then the u-joint failed. Then another u joint fail. Finally realize the problem was the trans mount
12-11-12, 07:02 PM
#4
Could also be a broken trailing arm mount. It happened to me, and went undiagnosed for a while cos i couldnt see anything till i jacked it up and took the wheels off. The bracket broke off the diff housing at the welds in such a way that it looked ok but was completely sheared.
12-12-12, 12:18 AM
#5
But the U joints and the trans mount are both my first thoughts as well. With an almost 30 year old car you sure gotta think that the rubber in the trans mount and the metal in the U joints would be starting to fail.
12-12-12, 12:45 AM
#6
looked like it sucked? Yeah its pretty embarrassing, but i wasnt driving it much at the time, and having a quik look under the car, nothing was out of place because the broken-off bracket fitted perfectly into its broken weld and was hidden by the brake disk shield, shocker, ect. It was an upper mount. It drove ok except I thought the "axle tramp" was getting worse so i babied it for the few times i drove it like that untill i had the time and space to give it some attention.
Trending Topics
12-12-12, 12:14 PM
#8
@Nicholas P. - My idler arm bushing has disappeared again, as i had that same issue before. however it sounds to me as if the knock is coming from the back of the car. i'll be ordering the moog unit after i get paid friday...
@Fewgitive and KC REPU, I plan on checking the driveshaft u-joints tonight, but how would i go about checking the transmission mounts?
@nikko13b were there any noticable changes in handling after that happened?
@Fewgitive and KC REPU, I plan on checking the driveshaft u-joints tonight, but how would i go about checking the transmission mounts?
@nikko13b were there any noticable changes in handling after that happened?
12-12-12, 04:33 PM
#10
well i will be leaving it home with my grandfather tomorrow, and he's gonna look over it for me while i'm at work. i would normally do it myself but its hard when your 18 and working full time/going to school. i've passed on your suggestions, and i'll report back when we find something.
Last edited by BrGreenSA; 12-12-12 at 04:33 PM. Reason: accidentally a word
12-12-12, 09:46 PM
#12
couldn't be the case though, since i have rear drums, or could the drum be moving back and forth?
12-14-12, 09:31 AM
#16
Update: got the car back today, grandfather said he tightened up a bunch of stuff underneath from when i had my little... accident. i asked him and he said there was no noticeable play in the driveshaft. thats all i know, as i only spoke to him briefly before heading to work. clunk is gone for now, will see what happens.
12-14-12, 10:28 AM
#17
Update: got the car back today, grandfather said he tightened up a bunch of stuff underneath from when i had my little... accident. i asked him and he said there was no noticeable play in the driveshaft. thats all i know, as i only spoke to him briefly before heading to work. clunk is gone for now, will see what happens.
12-19-12, 03:02 PM
#21
no but i have run the spare in place of the wheel. when the spare was on, i didnt hear the noise at all. i plan on checking the insides of the drum, i know the shoes will be fine as i just did them, maybe there is something loose inside moving around
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
