clunking sound while driving

neg009 · 02-03-2007, 07:29 AM

Need some more help, I have a clunking sound from the rear drivers side. It gets faster as the car speed increases. I think it may be the cv joint but am not sure, If I wigle the axle shaft in and out of the trany it will go away for a little bit. Also if it is the axle have you guys had luck having the axles & cv joints rebuilt or is replacement of the axle a better idea?

jmohn · jmohn's Garage

Sounds very much like a bad CV. You can either replace the joints (do both plus the boots) or replace the entire axle (with joints installed). I generally replace joints, but, depending on cost, you may choose to change the entire assembly (cleaner and quicker, especially if you've never done it before). If you decide to do it yourself, do a search on this site there are several good description of the procedure. You have an SC so both joints are bolted to flanges and are easily removed (Carreras have the outer joint friction welded to the shaft and require the axle, outer joint and stub to be removed and replaced as an assembly). This isn't a particularly difficult repair just be sure the hex or triple-square tool (your bolts may have either) is well seated in the flange bolts when you try to remove them.

Good luck,

Jerry M
'78 SC

diverdan · diverdan's Garage

CV joints definitely possible, but if its a rubber dampened clutch that could be the culprit.

Diverdan

wowzer911 · 02-04-2007, 07:44 AM

I had a similar problem, turned out that the emergency brakes needed to be adjusted, as one side was hitting the hub assy...clunk, clunk, clunk.
might be worth checking out.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Most likely a CV.....they sell a complete axle with new CVs....cheap as the rebuild as a DIY is a NASTY job. BTDT....

Green 912 · 02-04-2007, 09:54 AM

You might want to check to see that the CV bolts are tight before you purchase new axels. The CV bolts like to come loose and the CV will clunk for a while before it falls all the way off.

Early_S_Man · 02-04-2007, 10:27 AM

It does sound like CV-joint(s) in need of attention ... but they may not need wholesale replacement, yet!

Take a look at these resources, and plan on a weekend of messy work!

http://www.type2.com/bartnik/tech.htm ... CV Joint Maintenance with pics of ruined joints

http://www.type2.com/ ... 2 articles: CV Bolt Removal & CV Joint Servicing

CV joint disassembly ... detailed pics of disassembly & assembly of the Lobro CV-Joint

If, after cleaning off the old grease ... you find shiny ball bearings and races without pitting or discoloration, then they can be repacked with Valvoline SynPower Synthetic Grease with moly #985 or #986. Cracked or damaged boots can be replaced.