280i clunk at the rear.

[Tony Trans Am]

My 280 has developed a clunk sometimes when pulling away, seems to be on the near side, I've checked uj's they seem ok. Any common issues with the 280's, possibly in the diff? I should check. My car is an original 57000 mile car so not big mileage.

[v8s4me]

It might be something simple like a loose exhaust clamp. Worth checking.

[mrzigazaga]

If the clunk is similar to an auto being put into gear then it will either be UJ's on the driveshafts or the prop UJ....Especially if its there when you stop and pull away...an engine mount can also feel like a clunk....


Ziga

[adam quantrill]

The driveshaft UJ's can be difficult to diagnose unless you load up the suspension, jack it up under the hub so it's more level.

Alsto to add to the list above check the propshaft bolts at each end they can sometimes come loose, I use a bit of loctite on troublesome ones.

[RCK974X]

could be anything from a loose bolt right up to a knackered diff or gearbox.

DON'T PANIC yet. chances are it's just something loose.

I would go through in order -

jack up rear and check driveshafts (turn each wheel backwards and forwards, in neutral and in gear)

Check diff bolts tight (and none missing)

check all the bushes, mounts, bolts in rear susp and mounts, shockers etc. yes, the whole lot.
rattle/move everything.

check all flanges tight.

then check gearbox mounts (rubbers can tear) and engine mounts.

then check for rubbing or loose exhaust pipes.

THEN - check there's nothing loose in the boot (Yes, really ! Not me, but one of my old mates once turned up with a weird clunk, and it turned out to be the jack wasn't clamped properly to spare wheel - not a TVR, and funny, but...well.....it happens)

and I suppose check the chassis hasn't cracked or bracket broken off ....

Should be in there somewhere.....

THEN you can think about broken diff or gbox - hopefully you won't get there.

gbox - type 9 (5 speeders) can start to clunk when drive taken up, it's typically a worn layshaft, which they have a reputation for....

UJs should have no visible movement or 'slack' when you turn the shaft back and forwards. If you see ANY play, the UJ needs to be replaced. (driveshafts and propshaft) OOps - also check there's no 'stiff' bit when you turn the shafts - can also happen with wear

Edited by RCK974X on Thursday 19th October 20:37

[adam quantrill]

And the nuts that attach the driveshafts to the rear brake disc/diff.

[Scuba Joe]

I had a similar issue and followed all the tests like jacking up the rear and loading it up etc, but still could not diagnose it properly. The symptoms were when the car was under load - 1st or second gear putting foot down and also worse with a passenger (don't tell the wife...) and am intermittent clicking / slight knocking but getting faster as the wheels turned faster. Mine is an S3 but i think its the same.

In the end, I decided to replace both CV joints on the nearside as its a quick and easy job and it would at least rule it out! Found these online -http://www.jandrcvjoints.co.uk/tvr-s3-2.9-petrol-1991/product/cv-joints-510/cv-joint/JR27 and solved the issue easily.

It cost me £30 including VAT and postage for 2 - bargain - and also has a 2 year warranty.

I did take the old CV joints apart and there was definite wear in one, the other wear was starting.

One other thing, you will need Torx sockets and Halfords do a set for a very reasonable price with a lifetime guarantee.

Hope this helps!

[phillpot]

Scuba Joe said:

One other thing..................

I think Wedges have UJ's, not CV joints

[Scuba Joe]

ah..in that case ignore my post..!

[Tony Trans Am]

I have noticed that on the rear springs one side seems to have a rubber wedge at the top (drivers side) and the other does not......should it have rubber both sides or has someone just added it?

[adam quantrill]

Nah it's probably because some lardarse had it before you and it's sagged over the years, so that adjusts it back up a bit.

Usually the spring is straight into the chassis at the rear, it's only the fronts that have any packing.