squeak squeak squeak....

[CHEV66JB]

Hi all,

We brought my dad's '76 Stingray home yesterday, and on the way back it was squeaking and banging a bit in the rear- He said that these particular year 'Vettes had a problem with the "U" or "CV" joints going bad on the back- Is this theory correct, and if so, are these something I could do at home? I'm pretty good w/cars, been working on them since I was a kid. I just don't know if this is one of those jobs that's better to be done by a "professional"?

Thanks,

Jim

 

[GTR1999]

You have to check it to see where the nosie is coming from. Could be U-joints,parking brake,tires or trim rings,exhaust hangers,etc. Vette U-joints can be done at home. Best to use a torch to remove the old ones or a press. You must use a backing plate for the 1/2 shaft flanges or they will bend when you try to remove or install new joints. They shouldn't be sloppy or rusty. I fyou do change them use Spicer non zerk joints.

 

[brusso]

I had a similar squeek on my 75. It turned out to be the bushings for the spring bolts to the trailing arms.

 

[CHEV66JB]

Re:

Thanks guys- I'll have to climb under the car one night to see what I can find out, but at least that gives me something to go on. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't one of those deals where someone says "DON'T DO THAT AT HOME!!!"


Thanks,

Jim

 

[76okievette]

I just changed the U-Joints on my "76", I removed the drive shafts and half shaft and then took them to a local Vette shop. The shop removed and replaced the u-joints with Spicer joints then I took the shafts home and reinstalled them. I had problems getting the half shaft joints to fit into the differentral, if you knock the the u-joints caps off or unseat them from the rubber bushing during installation they have to pressed firmly back on to make sure they seat into the rubber bushing or they will be too long to fit right. Just be careful when you reinstall them, I would recommend removing the spare tire holder to give you some room.

 

[76okievette]

I forgot remove the wheel trim rings and then drive the car and see if that quites it down those things can make a lot of noise. Also the parking brake and make noise but I have had no experience with that, yet.

 

[67HEAVEN]

The squeaking could be the rear wheel bearing(s). Nasty job if you haven't done it before and don't have the correct tools.

It's a rare C2 / C3 that has had those bearings re-packed over the years.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

...it was squeaking and banging a bit in the rear...

You need to determine exactly where the noise is coming from. Squeaking and banging sound serious!
Does the noise increase/decrease with tire rotation/vehicle speed?
Does the banging occur when making right angle turns to either left or right?

Squeaking sounds like u-joints, but the banging could be as bad as the side yokes having too much play and the gears are binding up. That was a problem mine had but the noise was more of a moaning and groaning with popping noises when making turns or starting from a stop.

Let us know what the problem turns out to be and how you fixed it!
Heidi

 

[CHEV66JB]

Re:

Thanks to all for your input- My dad was actually describing the sound, so I'd have to get more info from him as to when it was taking place and what exactly was happening- I had him read all of your responses, and he said it's definitely not the trim rings as the car has factory aluminum rally's, and also didn't believe it to be the exhaust hangers, as they're pretty secure at this time. However, I will keep you posted once we find the cause!

Here's a pic of the car that I took when we were bringing it home- Couldn't have had a better day for it!

Jim

 

[brusso]

I had a similar squeek on my 75. It turned out to be the bushings for the spring bolts to the trailing arms.

I also replaced the rear spring at the same time and found the rubber leaf separators to be shot. That would definetly give you a squeak.