Rear End Clank

[Robert]

Alas..... this mysterious clunk, klunk, klink, klank or whatever plagues many a year corvette. My 81 is having the exact same problem AFTER rebuilding the entire rear end and replacing u-joints. Oiy! :confused

I just read your list of vehicles!!! I would hate to see your insurance bill!!! In Missouri you have to pay personal property tax......on of course, personal property. That would be quite a bill too!!!!

 

[tnovot]

Snitcher -
For the clank, I agree with others. Go right down the list of good advice already given and check driveshaft U joints, half shaft U joints, trans mount bolts, etc.

Geek and others with the "klink" -
Try to get or at least read a copy of GM Tech Service Bulletin #8460 issued Feb. 1984 entitled "Half-Shaft and Propshaft Clinking Noise". Not sure but I think it might talk about spraying WD 40 or some other lubricant into the half-shafts by the spline area. Read something about that once but can't remember where.

 

[Robert]

I just had my 84 up on a rack having a mechanic do some other work on it. I had him check the rear dif oil level. It was OK, but there was a tag hanging on the fill bolt that said, "Limited Slip Lube only" I asked what that meant and he said that it takes a special gear oil. If it has the wrong oil in it, there will be clunking noises, especially going around a turn.


my 2 pennies worth...

Robert

 

[geekinavette]

Had that same noise in the rear of my 84. Replaced all 6 U-joints and the bearing hub assembly’s and the noise still prevailed. Searched some previous posts on this forum and found one describing the same sound and his solution was putting some ani-seize compound on the splined shaft that on the end of the half shaft that goes into the bearing hub assembly. So I reluctantly pulled my half shafts out one more time and did the same. And yes I do believe that it is important to have that shim or washer in place as well. Happy to say problem solved. No more noise.

The anti-sieze makes a lot of sense, I can see how that would help. Damn wish I'd thought of that while I was putting it back together!

Robert, your mechanic is correct about the lube...and I know the "clunking noise" he's referring to. This "klink" however is a different issue. Good point nonetheless.

Bill

 

[redc4corvette]

??? Torque converter loose may need a new one??

just my o2 check your stall .:bar

 

[geekinavette]

I got rid of the "klink"!!

This is the only rear suspension diagram I have right now, from Corvette America's web site:

...it's not in this diagram, but where the "spindle" as it's called in that picture (I call it a drive shaft yoke) meets up with the Hub/Bearing Assembly, is where the "washer" goes that my car did not have. If you go to a Chevy dealership and have them pull up the rear suspension diagram it'll show the washer. The GM part number is 14076924. I installed these washers and applied anti-sieze to the splines...POOF, no more klink. It's a good bit of work to install the washers...the knuckle needs to be completely removed and separated from the brake assembly. Also, that seal that's listed in the picture isn't available from any of the Corvette joints OR from GM (last I checked anyway), but it IS available from NAPA, part number 21953.

Every time I work on my car it makes just a little less noise...COOL!

Bill

 

[Alloydude]

I’m surprised you where able to find a washer. Every time I go to the dealership for parts they always seem to be discontinued. Congrats on the elimination of the klink.

 

[geekinavette]

Yeah I was kinda surprised as well...but as I understand it these were used all the way through '96 (not too sure about that). I had no problem at all getting them, only took a couple of days and about 12 bucks.


Bill

 

[geekinavette]

Oops...I missed it, the washer IS in that picture. I made a few modifications to the diagram to highlight the area of interest: