Clonking at rear end

[anonymous-user]

I do get a clonk when I reverse and I don't really notice it when driving, but I may be driving round it as I generally am fairly gentle on the transmission.

I sometimes get a clonk if I go into gear at the lights, especially if I select 2nd.

I have just been under and tried all the diff bolts, even with a very big bar on them , they are all tight and bushes look quite good.

If I grab the rear wheels there is a little play before the prop shaft moves, less than 20 mm but it does make a clonking noise.... sounds quite metalic

Where next do you think....


4.0l car with 50k miles.

[paulathome]

Sounds to me like diff mounting bushes are on their way out. You will get play in the wheels to prop-shaft as there has to be a certain amount of back lash between them and it's quite scary how much there is in a perfectly serviceable diff.
The diff mounting bushes usually require replacement after 30K miles (well mine did anyway) so yours will probably need doing. From experience it's normally the top one that goes and as sods law goes this is the PITA one to do.
It's do-able on the drive way if you can swing a spanner but can get quite costly if done by your local TVR specialist as it does take a quite a few hours to do.
Do check however that the allen bolts on the back of the diff are tight as these can come loose and give the same symptoms as knackered bushes. Good luck and lets us know what you find.
Paul.

[davvid]

I've always had a clonk when reversing,and I was told by a respected tvr garage that,that was normal.No clonk in any forward gears though.

[pil2255]

I have the same clonk in my 1995 4.0 L and was told the same "Normal take up play" told not to worry ! So not worrying !!

Mike

[anonymous-user]

A bump on the post from me.
The diff mountings are all solid it is play in the drive shafts.

I have fresh oil in the diff, correct grade, is it likely the diff has failed after 50k miles ?

David