Topic: noise in rear suspension
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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hi everyone
have a 1980 L48 auto cant seem to find source of a
have a 1980 L48 auto cant seem to find source of a
snapping or heavy click-type noise when vehicle jounced at rear (mostly
left side) has new: trailing arm bushings,u-joints,shocks, rear bearings
well within tolerances, rear spring was rebuilt with new insulators, all new
hardware. will still make noise with shock disconnected 
can the spring
can the spring still make this noise? anyone with more experience...any help greatly
appreciated... trying to make carlisle at end of august THANKS!
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Did you look inside the pumpkin while you were doing all that work? It's possible that something might be making noise in there (loose bolt or broken tooth).
Did you fix your parking brake when you did the new trailing arms? I assume it came with new but doesn't hurt to ask. If your parking brake doesn't work, then it might be the parts for it rattling around.
Did you fix your parking brake when you did the new trailing arms? I assume it came with new but doesn't hurt to ask. If your parking brake doesn't work, then it might be the parts for it rattling around.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
What about the strut rod bushings, and attaching hardware? And the diff crossmember bushings?
Does it make this noise while driving also, or just bouncing it by hand?
Does it make this noise while driving also, or just bouncing it by hand?
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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Did you drain your rear ? If not do it & add 8 oz of GM pois fluid & fil the reast with gear oil.
Then take the car to a parking lot & do 5 or 6 figure 8's & see if that gets rid of the noise
Alan
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
Click or clunk?
If it's more like a clunk and you hear it when you nail it from a stand still, it sounds like your diff to crossmember bushing.
If it's more like a clunk and you hear it when you nail it from a stand still, it sounds like your diff to crossmember bushing. LukesVette Homepage
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
From his description, it sounds like he can make the noise just by bouncing the car up & down by hand...which would eliminate anything inside the diff, except perhaps excessive wear on the sub-axle ends.
It would also eliminate anything that does not move with the suspension, theoretically. I've seen loose muffler hangers cause noises like that...
Maybe a little more info would be helpful.
It would also eliminate anything that does not move with the suspension, theoretically. I've seen loose muffler hangers cause noises like that...
Maybe a little more info would be helpful.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
thanks to all for your quick responses you guys are great!
mycadoo 2007-08-10 20:05:09
all bushings have been replaced, rear diff is 100% including correct fluids
and axle shafts, and thanks joel, you are right it does do it just by
jouncing the car by hand. it did seem to go away for awhile after the car
was on a frame lift while i had the trans out during a rebuild. the noise
will sometimes happen driving over bumps but then go away.
I AM VERY IMPRESSED BY YOUR GROUPS CONCERN AND HELPFUL
ATTITUDES . HOPEFULLY I CAN HELP SOMEONE ELSE,TOO
thought noise was coming from left rear brake pads;got nowhere with that
spare and exhaust all good and secure,
think i will try removing leaf spring and jouncing car, was going to do
that yesterday but wife and i ended taking a 170 mile cruise---too
beautiful a day
you folks are great to respond, thanks so much
p.s. how can i post a picture next to my profile? do i need to become a full
member?
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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