Bad CV joint ?
 

1973 911 E

My car makes a "clunka, clunka" noise from the rear end when coasting (engine off clutch in or out). Can feel it as well, so not a subtle problem.

I assume it's a CV joint. Jacked up the rear end and both wheels spin freely with no noise or other abnormality. Pretty sure it's on the left side. Both half shafts are tight when I pull on them against the bearing and move freely in and out (toward the wheel and engine).

Is there a better way to confirm it's a CV joint? Are CV joints repairable?

Normally I would find the problem and replace the CV joint. However, I replaced the half shafts with CV joints several years ago, because the boots kept tearing, and the CV joints that came installed on the half shafts are at least half an inch thicker then the stock ones so replacing them might be difficult as I don't know whats actually on there except that they fit and had worked perfectly for at last 5 years. Finding the correct size CV bolts to go with these was a bit of a pain and I don't remember where I bought them from.

4 bolt CV's with the half moons and a shuffle pin.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Chris

73 911 E

Could be a bearing too. They often whine, but if can clunk. If your CV's are relatively new, I would check on the bearing first.

Jack the car up, grab the tire and 12 and 6, check for play. 3 and 9 check for play. Spin the wheel slowly by hand and feel for a gritty or rough motion during rotation. It might not feel like much.

Figured it out. Easiest fix ever. Apparently I did not tighten down the lug nuts I am embarassed to admit.

Oh well back in action :-)


Chris

Chris,

Well ... that is a solution and satisfying/unsatisfying conclusion.
Admissions will help the uninitiated. Thank you.

Here is the definitive thread on this subject:
reconstructing-constant-velocity-cv-joints
While very long, it is worth studying end-to-end.

Here is a Search Result with more valuable links:
Pelican Parts Technical BBS - Search Results

One on my (yet unfulfilled) projects is to combine all these very important posts into one thread.

Best,
Grady

Grady - you need some interns. Still involved with high schools, community colleges?

Yes, I'm open to volunteers.
I'm also a good cook. Teens take note.

Best,
Grady