Clicking/clunking noise
 

I know, I know - before we declare it another obvious CV/rear axle wear problem, I just need a confirmation:

I've got a clicking/clunk noise from the rear that is proportional with wheel movement. HOWEVER........when I press on the clutch the said noise goes away, and the same applies when I throw it in neutral while coasting. I did a search on clicking, and nobody really mentioned if the noise went away for them when out of gear. Is this still a CV no brainer? Just want to know if anyone had this identical symptom(?)


Thanks fellas

John
'87 944S

I would hazard a guess that the clunking goes away because you are relieving the stress on them when you disengage the drivel Example: When a transmission falls on your arm, it doesn't REALLY start to hurt untill you try to move it.

Yeah.. good one Todwic.. Yeah.. what he said..

Frank B

See if you can localize the noise (jack the rear end up and put it in gear.)

CV joints spin regardless of what gear you are in, therefore, if the wheels are moving and you get a noise, then pop it in neutral and the noise vanishes, what has changed?

Answer: transmission disconnected from drivetrain.

Double check your CV's. However, it seems more likely that you are looking at an internal transmission issue

Rythmnic clunking proportionate to engine speed: Ring & Pinion

AFJuvat

Oh man.........and I thought the "S" had an updated ring and pinion. And I just put in Swepco! Damn P.O.!

Well, we'll see. We were hit with an ice storm tonight and its unlikely I'll take it out for a spin. Maybe tomorrow. This is all I need...................

Update:

I just went out to run some errands, and the loud click click click noise is definitely proportional to the load I put on the throttle. The more gas I give (espcially going up a hill), the the more it clicks - but no slippage or vibration at all(?)

Had it up on jacks afterwards and nothing visibly wrong. Boots seemed okay. A little play in the wheels, but nothing drastic. But it just doesn't "feel" like a ring & pinion issue - there's no metallic noise or drag. Could this still be indicative that my tranny is about to go south??

Panzer -

What was the diagnosis and solution to this problem from 2002?

My $.02
Wile you have the rear end up on a jack. Turn one wheel by hand. If you hear the same noise. Most likely it is the ring and pinion.
If not check your CV joints, by grabing the shaft and trying to rock them back and forth. Alot of play and it's time for CV joint rebuild or replacement.
If both of these do not get results. Your next option is rear wheel axle nut.
Check Clark's garage under "rear wheel bearing replancement"
All of these problems can make about the same noise.
Good luck.

OTR


EDIT.......
DUH,,,,
Just noticed the date.
I'm still interisted in the result.

Sounds like your CVs. I had this problem my CVs were dry as a bone had them cleaned and repack. Never heard a peep afterwards. As far as movement bacj and forth thats supposed to be normal for one thing. If you need to repack with grease. The CVs use a special grease so ask for CV Joint grease or the like.