'84 unknown clicking while driving

[slashnick]

i don't notice the clicking under normal driving conditions. only when I have the windows down and/or top off, and am driving next to something that will deflect the sound back towards me (cement barrier). the clicking is directly proportional to the speed of the car(faster the car, the faster the clicking), which made me think there may have been something contacting the wheel. however, i cant see anything that would be touching any part of the wheel while driving or sitting still.

the best way i can describe the clicking is, it sounds like a playing card in the spoke of a bicycle. not very loud, but noticeable with the windows down.

i thought it may be the fuel distributors clicking as they deliver fuel to the engine, but it seems to only be affected by speed, not RPMs. i also noticed it seems to come from all sides, depending on which side the sound deflecting object is on.

anyone have a similar experience?
maybe all 84s do it...
thanks

-matt

 

[geekinavette]

It's true that the fuel injectors are quite loud, but like you mentioned if it were the injectors it would be proportional to engine speed...not just vehicle speed.

Other than the injector "click", I don't know of any other "normal" sounds like that when driving. I think I would start checking out stuff like U-joints, brake pads...etc. The fact that it doesn't seem more pronounced on one side than the other might suggest a drive shaft U-joint?

Bill

 

[Gary Diercks]

:confused It has to be a "U-Joint". It could be any of the 6, but it is probably on a half shaft. Good luck. It's not a big problem to have fixed.

 

[slashnick]

thanks, sounds like a good place to start.

i will double check that it isnt proportional to the RPM tho, just to make sure it isnt the injectors.

also, how would i know if the u-joint(s) should be replaced or just lubricated. and if only lubed, will jiffy lube do it good/right or can i do it easily myself.

 

[hotrodd]

On a c3 the emergency brake cable clip is real close to the wheel,I had the same sound and the clip was barely touching.I don't know if an 84 is similiar but that is what mine was. Just a thought.

 

[JonM]

You need to get that thing up on jacks and have a look see...I remember years ago I had that clicking sound in mine...It turned out to be the differential shaft...don't get to excited..it could also be 10 other things...Get it up on jacks, ceck the u-joints, rear wheel bearings, check the fluid in the rearend, smell it see if its burnt. check the brake calipers, check see if the e-brake is sticking (e brake pads are inside the roters)

ODI ID: 136773
Make: CHEVROLET
Model: CORVETTE
Year: 1984
Date of Failure: Thursday, December 12, 1985
Incident: No
Fire: No
Number of Injuries: 0
Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
Summary: REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL CROSS SHAFT WAS REPLACED.

 

[cntrhub]

Sounds like the brake disc has a high spot and everytime the wheel comes around, it lifts up the lose brake pad and you hear the pad "tick" on the fall? Just a guess on your noise.

 

[geekinavette]

Sounds like the brake disc has a high spot and everytime the wheel comes around, it lifts up the lose brake pad and you hear the pad "tick" on the fall? Just a guess on your noise.

I had a Camaro ('82) once upon a time that did that. Drove me nuts for weeks trying to figure out what that sound was!

If that's the source of your "tick" then it will go away immediately upon applying the brakes...regardless of speed.

Bill

 

[vettl83]

Don't forget to check the tires for foreign objects. A rock or bolt or some other item will cause that rotational clicking too. 84 CF 91 ZR-1

 

[oldace84]

Sorry...but I feel it's just the injector's....I know on my '84 they make alot of noise while ideling......
What did you find out???????
tony

 

[Robertwav1]

I had a clicking sound in my 93 when i first got the car. I had the u-joints replaced on the half shafts cause it sounded like that would be it. Well it wasn't...Chevy finally replaced some type of spacer in the rear wheel...at least that's what they told me. Wish you luck!

 

[Radar]

One other area to check is your wheel lug nuts. I had a friend one time who had a Camaro with a very strange clicking sound. I checked everything for him. In the end, I found out that he had a worn rim and worn lug nuts and that was causing the noise. A new set of lug nuts, a bone yard rim, and no more noise!

Radar

 

[sumoboy]

When is the last time you put pads on? I heard it before with loose brake pads. Is it still there when you apply the brakes lightly? Does it do it reverse also? Is it an automatic? If it's a stick it could be something in the clutch.

 

[slashnick]

its not the brakes, it continues through braking.
its not the injectors, it continues even with car off.
the car is an auto.

im going to try and pin point a final time this weekend, if i cant come up with anything i will take it in to a shop.