Help! Squeaking from the rear end?

[Prelude13]

I have a 76 Vette that is in fairly good shape. I've had it for about 3 ears and while driving it about a month ago I noticed that there was a squeaking and clicking sound coming from the rear end of the car. As I speed up it, the sound speeds up as well and then there is a pop when it shifts and it stops until I slow down again. It also seems like the rear end of the car shakes, or rocks back and forth. The slower I go the more noticable, then in mid speeds 35-45 its not noticable and it gets more noticable again at higher speeds 65 and up. Does anyone have an idea what this might be? Thanks

 

[muddywaters]

U-joints? You have 6 of them...............

 

[muddywaters]

Wheel bearings? How does it track on uneven roads........

 

[duke94]

U-joints? You have 6 of them...............

Yep, U-joints.

 

[GTR1999]

Check the parking brakes as well. If you have the original parts they rust up and break. Could be the problem. Look at the rotor rivets, if they are still there them no one was in there. If they are drilled out anyone's guess what you'll find.
Check the joints for rust dust at the caps and slop in them.
Rotate the wheel off the ground, preferably with the 1/2 shaft disconnected and caliper up so all you're moving are the spindle bearings. Should be smooth, no noise.

 

[Vette79]

I have the slight clicking noise to. I had the wheel bearings replaced this past year. U-joints or side-yokes are my next guess.

 

[6880 Mike]

Check level of the posi fluid.

 

[Vette79]

I drained and added conditioner which helped but the symptom remains.

 

[wallyknoch]

I have a complete aluminum case rear available with fiber glass spring, bushings, strut rods, yokes, and batwing. Ready to go. A very low mileage crash.

 

[Evolution1980]

Yep, U-joints and/or bearings. Had the same problem when I bought my car 14 years ago. It was the first repair I had to do on my car.

 

[fine69]

I drained and added conditioner which helped but the symptom remains.

Jeff,

Did you drive in a series of figure-eights? If not, try that and see if it helps.

Ralph

 

[mytoy]

i had the same problem with my 78 l82 four speed notice it the most at slow turns, i drained the rear put transmission fluid in it and drove in circles for a short time drain it again added the gm additive and oil and the noise went away mytoy