Rear End Clunk When Coming To A Quick Stop & Starting Off Again
#1
Rear End Clunk When Coming To A Quick Stop & Starting Off Again
Hey guys,
Finally have a couple weeks off from work soon, and I plan to tackle a few jobs on the '40 including a smoke test on the intake, lower front shock mounts, sway bar links, brakes at all 4 corners, and an oil change. If I have time, I would like to replace the front control arm bushings as well.
My main concern is a rear-end noise that developed from a "click" when reversing, to a full-on clunk when coming to a quick stop. A second clunk, exactly inverse of the first, is heard when accelerating from that stop. Under very heavy braking, I have also felt a few extra inches of forward travel that coincides with the clunk.
My first guess would be U-Joints. I am looking to order all my parts in the next couple days to have everything on hand. I feel a bit confident that the issue is U-joints, but are there any quick and dirty methods of checking before I order the parts? If it sounds like U-joints to you guys, how bad is the job? I did recently buy a ball joint press kit that will work on the U-joints and the lower shock mounts. It's been years since I've touched a U-joint, and that was just a basic driveshaft joint on my Bravada. These axle shafts are a bit different; I've never taken them out of the car before.
Any thoughts?
Finally have a couple weeks off from work soon, and I plan to tackle a few jobs on the '40 including a smoke test on the intake, lower front shock mounts, sway bar links, brakes at all 4 corners, and an oil change. If I have time, I would like to replace the front control arm bushings as well.
My main concern is a rear-end noise that developed from a "click" when reversing, to a full-on clunk when coming to a quick stop. A second clunk, exactly inverse of the first, is heard when accelerating from that stop. Under very heavy braking, I have also felt a few extra inches of forward travel that coincides with the clunk.
My first guess would be U-Joints. I am looking to order all my parts in the next couple days to have everything on hand. I feel a bit confident that the issue is U-joints, but are there any quick and dirty methods of checking before I order the parts? If it sounds like U-joints to you guys, how bad is the job? I did recently buy a ball joint press kit that will work on the U-joints and the lower shock mounts. It's been years since I've touched a U-joint, and that was just a basic driveshaft joint on my Bravada. These axle shafts are a bit different; I've never taken them out of the car before.
Any thoughts?
Last edited by NTL1991; 08-07-2020 at 07:06 AM.
#2
Check your transmission mount. That noise can be the trans jumping as it shifts. The cars drifting sounds a bit scary. Maybe look at the ..... ooooh.... control arm bearings there. I'm trying to imagine the car drifting without a brake problem.... I'm seeing the hubs twisting? Scary. Good luck there, I know you'll figure it out.
#3
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Hi Nick,
If you put the rear end up on jack stands, you can inspect the U-joints for any play. Rotating the wheels by hand may help reveal a loose joint.
Also inspect your rear wheel bearings and hub carrier fulcrum bearings.
Jerry's suggestion of the transmission/rear engine mount is good. Also check your driveshaft center bearing and the driveshaft flexible coupling.
Cheers,
Don
If you put the rear end up on jack stands, you can inspect the U-joints for any play. Rotating the wheels by hand may help reveal a loose joint.
Also inspect your rear wheel bearings and hub carrier fulcrum bearings.
Jerry's suggestion of the transmission/rear engine mount is good. Also check your driveshaft center bearing and the driveshaft flexible coupling.
Cheers,
Don
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