Clunking sound

[pasvorto1]

I am still having a 'clunking' sound coming from the back of the Vette. When I first got it, the sound was there all the time. I replaced the rear calipers (less than 1,000 miles ago) and it went away. Now, it comes back, but only after I have been driving for a while. Maybe an hour or more. Then, when I go to stop, I get a clunking sound like the calipers are grabbing. No peddle throbbing, just sound. When I take off, I have to "drive through" the noise and it goes away at about 15 mph. I purchased some new flexible brake hoses but haven't had time to put them on yet. Someone mentioned that might be a problem. When I am having this problem, and I pull into the garage, you can definitely tell that it is a function of the wheels turning. I was thinking, maybe rear u-joints, but wouldn't they make a clcking sound? And make it all the time, not just after 100 miles or so of driving? Weird times. I need to get this thing resolved so my wife doesn't think I made a bad decision to buy this car.

 

[WARVET]

How's your T-Arms and spindle/bearings? There are only so many parts back there that could make those sounds. If your alignment was bad it could make the brakes act funny I guess. I would jack each side up and see if you have up and down play with your wheels. This would indicate bearing problems.

 

[pasvorto1]

I am trying to locate a good Crovette mechanic in the SE Minn / SW Wisc area. I would like an expert to have a listen to it. Anyone have someone they could recommend?

 

[lucky76]

See if it's the parking brakes making the noise. Pull up the parking brake lever slighly by holding in the button while driving slowly and see if the noise gets better or worse. Mine use to squeek at low speeds but after a few times holding the brake on, it went away. Check it out before going for rear bearings. It could be just this simple.

 

[pasvorto1]

My EB isn't working. That is on the list. It won't pull up.

 

[CQRT]

My vote is driveshaft universals and/or spindle bearings - - neither of which should be ignored as failure can be catastrophic.

One way to check: jack the rear up (block front wheels first). Grasp wheel top and bottom-- rock back and forth-- play should be minimal.

Regards-

 

[williamm_c3]

CQRT, if there is no play when performing your test, is this a bad thing?

 

[pasvorto1]

OK... I jacked up each rear wheel. The right one had minimal movement. The left one, however, was a diffreent story (I always thought the clunk was coming from the left rear). I grasped it at 12 & 6, and than at 3 & 9. In each case, when I moved the wheel there was significant movement. In fact, at first, I thought the lug nuts were loose! So, what do you think am I looking at? Wheel bearings?

 

[JohnZ]

Yup, wheel bearings. I wouldn't drive the car any distance until it's repaired. Either take the car to a shop that knows Corvettes and has the special tools to replace and properly set up new bearings (not a backyard job), or pull the trailing arm off and send it to Bair's or Van Steel - they do them every day and guarantee them. Chances are the other side isn't far behind - I'd do both of them while the car is down, and you'll never have to touch them again.

 

[pasvorto1]

The only place around here that I can think of is the Chevy dealer. I'm sure that will be cheap.

 

[WARVET]

If you have a little shade tree mechanic in you - it might be cheaper to take them off yourself send them out to Bair's or VanSteel and put them back on yourself, then have the dealer align them. That's what I did and it was a bit less.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Don't you DARE take it to a dealer!
Talk to someone in your local Corvette club for a recommendation on a mechanic in your area.
Mine was done last year for $125.00 plus bearings and shims. Just so you know a ballpark price.

 

[pasvorto1]

Unfortunately, there is no 'local Corvette club' in my area.

 

[WARVET]

I found a club in Minnesota:
http://www.classiccorvettesmn.com/
I would contact them and find out where to go locally for your car. The other way is to attend a local classic car event and ask all the chevy guys where they go.

 

[pasvorto1]

I sent them an email. We shall see if anyone responds.

 

[pasvorto1]

Was that for one wheel?

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Yep, that was 2 Hrs. labor for one wheel.

Bairs does the whole trailing arm rebuild for $299.00.
http://www.bairs.com/suspension.asp
That's if you can get it off.

 

[pasvorto1]

Just heard from the Chevy dealer. He wants, if nothing unusual pops up, at least $850 to do the rear wheels! Yikes! Time to call the local garages. One has already said he doesn't do Vettes. This may be one illustration of the disadvantages of living in a small town.

 

[pasvorto1]

I found a local shop that will do the job for $250. It is my first time dealing with him. I have heard that he is a good guy. We shall see.

 

[pasvorto1]

That is $250 per wheel.