Clicking

I have an '81SC Targa. I have begun to hear a clicking sound as I start going. It sounds as if it is coming from the left rear wheel. If I press in on the clutch and let the car coast, I still hear the clicking but much fainter. I was going around a right hairpin and the noise was considerably louder. I suspect a CV joint. What do you think? Is there any way to definitely tell if one of the CV joints are bad, save just pulling them?

I don't know about the CV but have you checked your tires. Often there will be a clicking if there is something in lodged in the tire. Just a thought.

78SC Targa

double post, sorry

[This message has been edited by pbs911 (edited 12-01-2000).]

Yeah, I did check to make sure nothing was stuck in the tread. Thanks.

Sure could be a CV joint. Lay under the car and grab the CV axle. Attempt to move it up and down. (Not left and right, it's supposed to move that way). If there is any slop at all the joint is bad. Also attempt to twist the axle. There should be no slop or movement in the twisting motion either. Are any of the boots open? That would be a red flag.

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Tyson Schmidt
72 911 cabriolet (964 bodywork)

Since you are going to have to put it up on jackstands, anyway ...

After you have examined the CV-joints for play and damaged boots, why don't you start up the engine, and put it in 1st gear ... and let it idle in gear to see if the clicking shows up. Sometimes, the rusted emergency brake cable can rub and make 'chirping' sound!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

I just had the emergency brake pads replaced. I never use the emergency brake (flat lands of Texas). I had a couple of occasions to use it this week. Maybe it is the cable. I'll check both.

Possibly the speedo cable?

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Clay Mcguill www.geocities.com/the912guy

911's from 76 on do not have speedo cables, Clay. They have electric speedo's. Good idea though.

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Tyson Schmidt
72 911 cabriolet (964 bodywork)

Check the CV bolts --- they can work themselves loose yet you can still drive with full acceleration.
Mine all came loose on one side when starting from a red light. I had heard some clicking noises and was going to investigate when I got home but didn't make it --- with one side unbolted it felt like my clutch or transmission had just snapped (engine went to full revs in any gear I tried). One look underneath though revealed that one shaft was hanging down. Simple fix --- just bolted firmly back together and I was back in business again... (I'm going to be replacing/repairing some CVs and rearing bearings very soon anyway so I'm not concerned immediately with the roaddirt that probably worked it's way into the joint by this little escapade.)