A few of you asked if I'd provide an update on the rear clunking noise saga.
First a recap. About a week or so ago I wrote that I heard a clunking noise
in the right rear axle. Most people suggested a look at the Ujoint. Some
said the hub bearing.
I disassembled the joint from the diff. to see if I could feel any slop.
What I found was that it was super floppy. So I ordered a U-joint rebuilt
kit (spider and bearings) from Spit-Bits for $13 each. I decided to do both
sides as it surely was equally worn whether it maid noise or not. So I set
out and removed the entire hub/brake assembly in one unit. I pressed out
the old spider bearings in a vice and thoroughly cleaned the entire
assembly, repainted in Hammerite Black and while it was drying I continued
to prep the car for paint. Also loaded the hub bearing with grease via the
grease fitting. Its not especially easy to remove / replace the spider and
bearings but a good bench vice is required. In fact by the time I did the
other side the vice broke. Its was a big one too but not strong enough
apparently. So I replaced it with an even bigger one which was fortunately
on sale. Once the assembly was back on the car I also replaced the brake
hoses which has to be disconnected anyway. My car came with loads of new
spares in the boot - brakes hoses, throttle cables, suspension bushing,
filters etc.
Now the moment of truth. Got the wheels back on with everything tightened
up. Drove briefly to the same speed at which I noticed the knocking before
and its completely quiet. Continued driving at various speeds and its all
quiet. Also I found the brake pedal is much firmer after the new hoses.
Just a week ago I bled the black goo out the system but it still wasn't firm
to my taste. The old hose could be stretched about an inch longer just by
yanking on it. So it was soft and expanding all right!
So, those of you who have a clunking/knocking noise in the rear of the car
go check the joints. BTW - I couldn't really tell if they were sloppy. I
couldn't feel any rocking, just that they were clearly floppy without being
supported.
Peter S
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