Torque Tube problem?

[vandenham]

I have a drivetrain noise that I cannot diagnose. When I lift the clutch pedal, just as the clutch disks start to engage, there is a clunking/rattling noise in the drivetrain. And sometimes there is a shuddervibration as the clutch engages.

It sounds to me like the bearing is shot in the torque tube and the driveshaft is vibrating inside the tube. The sound is not play in the rear end as there is no clunking sound when I step on or release the gas. And the sound is not in the clutch mechanism as that has been fully replace with new parts.

Is there a way to check the torque tube without dropping the transmission and taking out the torque tube to check it?

Thanks Rick

[Constantine]

Possibly sounds like the front TT bearing moved back toward the transmission and so does not support the drive shaft as well at the front.

An easy way to check this is to safely raise the car, drop the lower bell housing cover and measure how far back the front bearing is. If it's past 10" inches it has walked back in the TT. Over 15" or more you will start having vibration problems.

We have seen TTs with the front bearing back over 24" and the car exhibited what you describe.

But it can also be something with your clutch. Just take your time and look around when you are in there.

Let us know what you find!

HTH,
Constantine

[vandenham]

How from the front should the bearing be? If the front TT bearing is pushed back can I remove the TT and move the bearing forward or do I still have to purchase a new TT?

Unfortunately dropping my bell housing cover is not trivial. I have a set of headers installed and I have to lower the headers to get the bell housing cover off. Hopefully I can insert a wire probe in the hole at the front of the TT (where you undo the shaft clamp) and see how far it goes before it touches the bearing.

Rick

[Constantine]

Hi Rick,

If the TT bearing(s) has/have moved, you will have to drop the TT and rebuild it or get a rebuilt one.

However, it might not be the TT bearings. The very best thing to do is to drop the front bell housing cover and look around.

You might be able to do what you plan to check the front TT bearing's placement. You should also take a look through the rear access hole too. If you can see a bearing too close to the rear of the TT, you might have a vibration dampener that has come apart and has banged the bearings from their proper location.

HTH,
Constantine

[lizard928s]

Rick,

I just did a clutch job on a car with headers, what a PITA!!!!

Although that said, I agree with Constantine, you need to go in there.

[bwmac]

Hmmm Maybe I should think twice about getting the headers

[mr928]

Originally Posted by bwmac

Hmmm Maybe I should think twice about getting the headers

Actually on the 87-95 cars it's not a problem. The 2 valve cars require removing the headers first.