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Topic: Rear end thumping sound

in Forum: C3 Driveline Components


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Re: Rear end thumping sound (6/16)
 2/18/24 8:08am
Phil's-Stingray
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - USA

Vette(s):
1975 L48 Corvette Stingray convertible with hardtop, modified & restored, new medium cloisonne paint, interior, 350 cid 330 hp with TH700R4 automatic transmission 3:08 differential ratio, all power & ac and the underside. A very nice touring car.


Joined: 1/12/2020
Posts: 32

My '75 roadster 3:08 diff positrac did that while making a left turn. My shop replaced the fluid with new positrac gear lubricant.  It resolved the issue!

My friends '68 roadster 3:08 does the same!

Changing the diff fluid with a positrac lubricant may resolve your issue. 

Hope this is helpful!

 

Re: Rear end thumping sound (7/16)
 2/18/24 9:30am
manchestersharkLifetime Member
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Equinunk, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.


Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2463

I changed the fluid in mine. But only after a bunch of other preventative repairs. There was no drain hole in mine. So.. I drilled and taped the bottom. Total drain, flush with carb cleaner and kero. Put a flush plug in it. Filled with 80 oil and two pints of GM positrac fluid. Did about 10 minutes of figure 8s in a parking lot, good to go. No problems! 



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Re: Rear end thumping sound (8/16)
 2/18/24 10:32am
F4Gary
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Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport convertible.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1471

I think bad u-joints will make a chirping/squeaking noise when turning in a circle.  Don't think they clunk.

I towed a boat with my '78 and eventually they started chirping and got replaced.



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Re: Rear end thumping sound (9/16)
 2/18/24 1:51pm
manchestersharkLifetime Member
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Equinunk, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.


Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2463

If U joints made a clunk, they would be on the ground under the car. A quick peek would tell you if they were bad. Check all four for looseness or missing parts. They are not really hidden. 



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Re: Rear end thumping sound (10/16)
 2/18/24 5:58pm
NorskyLifetime Member
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Burke, VT - USA

Vette(s):
SOLD - "The Toy" - '70 Convertible
SOLD - "The Beast" - '90 ZR-1 (#682)
SOLD - "Betty" - '28 Ford Model A Tudor
Still have - "BLKBRRD" - '78 Pontiac Trans Am


Joined: 1/23/2002
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manchestershark said:

...  Did about 10 minutes of figure 8s in a parking lot   ...


Every spring after the cars sat all winter this was an exercise that all would get before any serious driving took place - forward and reverse.  Was fortunate that no one ever called the local law enforcement kids for my doing "crazy stuff" in a parking lot...!!!






|UPDATED|2/18/2024 6:58:09 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Re: Rear end thumping sound (11/16)
 2/19/24 6:37am
rep69
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Suffolk, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible 427 4speed


Joined: 7/24/2012
Posts: 134

Hey,  Yes its a dull thumping sound, almost like something is too tight and binding . 

Re: Rear end thumping sound (12/16)
 2/19/24 7:31am
Kentvetteuk
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, - France

Vette(s):
1978 L48 Auto. Red with Oyster Leather interior. Owned since 1990.


Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 129

I think a fluid change is the first port of call - inexpensive and relatively easy, with a small pump (no drain plug).

 



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Stephen J Irons
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Corvettes of Southern California
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Re: Rear end thumping sound (13/16)
 2/19/24 9:11am
manchestersharkLifetime Member
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Equinunk, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.


Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2463

Depending on how long fluid has been there, change it regardless. I would have to hear it, or feel it. But, I think it's a worn or loose piece that transfers vibration to the body/frame through a rubber mount or suspension part. 



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Re: Rear end thumping sound (14/16)
 2/21/24 6:45am
BillHanna
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Cana, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1975 Stingray 71 350 engine Flat top pistons Sniper fuel injection Hyperspark ignition Vintage Air air conditioning Borgeson power steering box


Joined: 7/3/2016
Posts: 353

My '75 was making a snapping noise in the rear end when turning.  I changed the diff fluid and added positrac fluid.  I forgot about this until this post and I realized it was not longer making that noise.

 



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Re: Rear end thumping sound (15/16)
 2/21/24 8:13am
Kentvetteuk
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, - France

Vette(s):
1978 L48 Auto. Red with Oyster Leather interior. Owned since 1990.


Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 129

The first time I encountered this was after a 150 mile drive to Donnington Motor Circuit, in the UK, on a motorway (freeway).  As we turned into the circuit it sounded as though someone had taken a hammer to the rear end somewhere!  It was finer while we were going around corners, but after a while on a straight road it would bang again when we turned, although not as loudly as the first time!    I did the  the fluid change and the problem was cured.    

Given how expensive, and difficult to repair, some rear end issues are, a fluid change is a quick and cheap fix!👍



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Stephen J Irons
Corvette Club France
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Corvettes of Southern California
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Red Corvettes Have More Fun!
Re: Rear end thumping sound (16/16)
 2/21/24 8:49am
manchestersharkLifetime Member
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Equinunk, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.


Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2463

Wonderful! The easy route is the first route. Glad it worked out and problem had been rectified. 



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