Slight clunk from rear end and an annoying squeak

[Marto]

Howdy,

I have a slight clunking noise from the rear end when I select and engage a new gear. Could that be rear diff bushings, or do I need to investigate anything else. If it is busings are they a sod to replace (I'm quite handy with a spanner!)

I also have a chirping noise at idle when the car is up to heat....almost sounds like its coming from a exhaust mounting, but not sure again.

All advise welcome before I need to get into my boiler suit...in winter...in a garage ...in Aberdeen....way too cold!!

[DarkMatter]

Marto said:

I have a slight clunking noise from the rear end when I select and engage a new gear.

My suggestion is that you first check that the propshaft/diff flange bolts are tight.

[griffsmith]

Marto said:

Howdy,

I have a slight clunking noise from the rear end when I select and engage a new gear. Could that be rear diff bushings, or do I need to investigate anything else. If it is busings are they a sod to replace (I'm quite handy with a spanner!)

I also have a chirping noise at idle when the car is up to heat....almost sounds like its coming from a exhaust mounting, but not sure again.

All advise welcome before I need to get into my boiler suit...in winter...in a garage ...in Aberdeen....way too cold!!

my guess would be the diff bushes. they are normally more noticable in the summer when its hot cos the rubber (whats left of it) is softer mind you I think once they start to go it not too long before they are shot and in any temp they are noticeable as mine are... handy with spanners??? well thats great but by all accounts they are a real bitch to get access to on a ramp let a lone on the garage floor if that where your planning to do it!!

I think when mine 'need' doing (which isn't too long) my local indie will be getting the work, worth the money I think for that one! mind you someone will surely be along to say they did it and its 'do-able'

but as darkmatter suggests check your prop/diff bolts first thats free and easy!

[Marto]

Thanks guys. I had read that changing out the bushes are "challenging"!!

I'll have a look at the flange first then book it into my local indie if it looks like the bushes. Would you recommend poly bushes or or just std. replacements?

Cheers for the advice!

[Slacey]

I went with poly bushes when mine were done a month or so back as I didn't want to go through the same hassle again with standard rubber items - there is a little more vibration transferred to the cabin with the poly's but it has settled down a lot now so it's barely noticeable.