Ok, I hope this ain't my rearend, only U-joint.

So, its giving me an intermitent nak-nak-nak noise when doing about 10 miles or less, not above that, its very embarising. And engaging 1st and slightly lifting clutch up, you can hear a bad clunk sound coming out somewhere near rearend, and the same with reverse engaged after 1st, clunk.

Please gimme a suggestion, I don't have a possibility to lift my ride up until next week, and I can't sleep overnite carrying this feeling of ignorance...

Thank you
Jukka


------------------
'89 Formula 305 TPI T-5
Check out my car HERE!

 

The symptoms you described sound very much like a u-joint has either come loose in the retainer caps or the joint is failing. When a u-joint fails, the bearings usually are worn out and the sloppiness or "free play" makes the clunking noises you are hearing. If the retainer clip has broken or come loose, the u-joint could be shifting a bit inside the yoke's saddle.

Sometimes a broken transmission mount will make those same kinds of sounds, but more toward the middle of the car. If you are sure the noise is coming from the rear axle, it probably is the u-joint.

One other thing to keep in mind is a bad ring and pinion gear can also make clunk type noises.

------------------
FORMULA 350 TK
Southern California 3rd Generation F-Body OrganizationŠ

 

Thanks tom, that released some pressure out of me!

I managed to borrow some lifter time at the local workshop and I'm taking my car up tonight, and see whats wrong, let you know then..

Thanks again.

Jukka

------------------
'89 Formula 305 TPI T-5
Check out my car HERE!

 

Oh crap! It weren't either of the U-joints, but now that I had better way to inspect the problem, it seems that the noise is coming from trannys behind, just where the driveshaft begins .

With the rear axle lifted up and 4th gear engaged, you can hear a little kinda grinding noise coming out of there? maybe worn out bearing or so, is there one??
Guys, help me out of this one please!
This usually happens when the car is driven for some time..

Thank you!
Jukka

[EDIT] Tom, what is that you mean with the broken tranny mount? usually you can hear this sound coming on, when you drive to a bump or something similar?

------------------
'89 Formula 305 TPI T-5
Check out my car HERE!

[This message has been edited by '89Formula305TPI (edited October 07, 2000).]

 

A broken tranny mount, when you give it gas, or let off the gas, will allow the trans to move around, making clunk noises as it bangs around on the cross member, etc.

A steady grinding noise sounds symptomatic of something internal, maybe a worn gearset or bad bearing.

Have you checked the fluid level in the trans lately? Maybe change the trans fluid and see what happens. Look in the used fluid for metallic particles.

Test your tranny mount by using a pry bar under the trans and try lifting up. If the mount shows any movement whatsoever, it is probably broken inside and should be replaced.

------------------
FORMULA 350 TK
Southern California 3rd Generation F-Body OrganizationŠ

 

Thank you Tom, I'll check that out.
It'll chunk a little when you give/let go off gas tho, so hope that tranny mount that is.

Thanks again being so helpful, I really appreciate this, and goddamn beautiful Formula you got there.

Jukka

------------------
'89 Formula 305 TPI T-5
Check out my car HERE!