Seeking Tech Help: Axle "clunk?" - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

2KZ28_For_Now · 02-17-2009, 12:13 AM

Hey folks,

I was told by a fellow Camaro5 friend a few months ago that my current problem (along with the power window motors/wiring) was common.

I will preface this by saying my car is an automatic (I know, I know) -- and is stock, except for a K&N filter.

Here's the scenario: I recently kicked the car into passing gear and throttle shifted it into the next gear with tons of torque. I heard and felt the axle "clunk" and dig hard right after the shift, but it held steady, so I backed off and took it easy after getting to a safe distance from the other cars around me.

Ever since then, any time I take off from a start, or shift to next gear with any sort of power, the rear end "clunks" and I feel a slight hop or jump on the right rear wheel.

The clunk sounds and feels as if it is only coming from the right.

Someone told me that this is probably not actually a problem with the rear diff (gears, axle), but probably just a case of the supporting brackets that hold the rear end and suspension to the chassis coming loose.

Am I right? Has anyone heard of this before?

Take it easy on me, as I haven't looked into the tech details yet.

Just looking for some friendly advice.

Thanks!

2KZ28_For_Now · 02-17-2009, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandman

Sounds like a bracket if it's only during high RPM shifts...

Thanks.

MrCool · 02-18-2009, 01:04 AM

Uh oh...a clunk is never good.

:(

It might be something slipping in the axle, but then again...

2KZ28_For_Now · 02-20-2009, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrCool

Uh oh...a clunk is never good.

:(

It might be something slipping in the axle, but then again...

Thanks for the reply. I'm guessing this isn't as common of a problem as I've been led to believe.

At least I got two replies. Thats a new record for one of my posts.

Sigh. Why do I even bother anymore.

Mods - please close this thread.

Thanks.

Mr Twisty · 02-20-2009, 07:04 AM

No response because it's hard to answer "Why does my car go chugga weeeee brap when I go stop turn"

Get the car off the ground and look close at all mounting points for the axle and suspension and frame rails. Look for signs of pieces moving when they shouldn't. Twist the driveshaft, spin the tires, listen for noises.

Super83Z · 02-20-2009, 04:05 PM

It could be a multitude of things. You should check: Transmission mount, Control arms, torque arm mount at the back of the transmission, sway bar bushings and endlinks, U-joints, Panhard rod (centrally locates the rear end is at the back of the rear and goes from side to side).

If all that is ok then pull the diff cover and look for metal chunks.

MerF · 02-20-2009, 04:23 PM

I was definitely going to suggest tranny mounts, but I know 4th gens have some sort of control arm back there that is prone to working loose....I've only owned 3rd gens.

What I want to know is what you mean by shifting into a passing gear?

Super83Z · 02-20-2009, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MerF

I was definitely going to suggest tranny mounts, but I know 4th gens have some sort of control arm back there that is prone to working loose....I've only owned 3rd gens.

What I want to know is what you mean by shifting into a passing gear?

3rd and 4th gens share an Identical rear suspension. Everything interchanges. The only difference is the rear-end on the 4th is 2 inches wider.

*CamaroSpike23* · 02-20-2009, 07:30 PM

check your transmission mount. replace it with a polyurethane one. and dont just look at it. put a jack under the transmission tailshaft and lift it up. or just replace it for good measure. also check the lower control arms and their bushings as well as the panhard bar.

tho one question... what do you mean by "passing gear"?

Super83Z · 02-20-2009, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoleCat2SSRS2010

torque boxes .

Camaro's don't have torque boxes

MerF · 02-21-2009, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super83Z

Camaro's don't have torque boxes

AWD Camaro, yo.

02-17-2009, 12:13 AM	#1
2KZ28_For_Now SS Shotgun Ride?!??! :-) Drives: 2000 Z28 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 1,549	Seeking Tech Help: Axle "clunk?" Hey folks, I was told by a fellow Camaro5 friend a few months ago that my current problem (along with the power window motors/wiring) was common. I will preface this by saying my car is an automatic (I know, I know) -- and is stock, except for a K&N filter. Here's the scenario: I recently kicked the car into passing gear and throttle shifted it into the next gear with tons of torque. I heard and felt the axle "clunk" and dig hard right after the shift, but it held steady, so I backed off and took it easy after getting to a safe distance from the other cars around me. Ever since then, any time I take off from a start, or shift to next gear with any sort of power, the rear end "clunks" and I feel a slight hop or jump on the right rear wheel. The clunk sounds and feels as if it is only coming from the right. Someone told me that this is probably not actually a problem with the rear diff (gears, axle), but probably just a case of the supporting brackets that hold the rear end and suspension to the chassis coming loose. Am I right? Has anyone heard of this before? Take it easy on me, as I haven't looked into the tech details yet. Just looking for some friendly advice. Thanks! __________________ LT LS RS SS LS3 LSA-Z28 (Skip the body kit)

02-20-2009, 04:05 PM	#6
Super83Z Drives: 1999 Z28 1983 Z28 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: City of Champions,MA Posts: 616 View My Garage	It could be a multitude of things. You should check: Transmission mount, Control arms, torque arm mount at the back of the transmission, sway bar bushings and endlinks, U-joints, Panhard rod (centrally locates the rear end is at the back of the rear and goes from side to side). If all that is ok then pull the diff cover and look for metal chunks. __________________ Current cars: 99 Z28 06 Silverado 14 Silverado

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Camaro's axle to be produced in GM's Mexican assembly plant.	Bruno	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	31	10-27-2010 11:43 AM
OFFICIAL 2010 Camaro Specifications (full tech specs PDF inside)	Tran	Guides, Manuals, Bulletins, Documentation Archive	394	06-11-2010 06:16 PM
KC Area Dealers: The_Blur Seeking Employment	The_Blur	USA - Rockies / Midwest	15	01-20-2009 01:23 PM
Matteo From ITALY (seeking pricing and options)	matteocapitani	Camaro Price \| Ordering \| Tracking \| Dealers Discussions	10	04-03-2008 05:04 AM
Announcing GM Tech Center Fbody Show	TAG UR IT	Off-topic Discussions	9	08-01-2007 01:20 PM

02-18-2009, 01:04 AM	#3
MrCool Drives: '95 Z28 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Posts: 277	Uh oh...a clunk is never good. :( It might be something slipping in the axle, but then again...

02-20-2009, 07:04 AM	#5
Mr Twisty Drives: the 2nd amendment home Join Date: May 2008 Location: OK Posts: 14,707	No response because it's hard to answer "Why does my car go chugga weeeee brap when I go stop turn" Get the car off the ground and look close at all mounting points for the axle and suspension and frame rails. Look for signs of pieces moving when they shouldn't. Twist the driveshaft, spin the tires, listen for noises.

02-20-2009, 04:23 PM	#7
MerF Go Rays! Drives: 03 Trailblazer Join Date: May 2007 Location: St Pete, Florida Posts: 2,533	I was definitely going to suggest tranny mounts, but I know 4th gens have some sort of control arm back there that is prone to working loose....I've only owned 3rd gens. What I want to know is what you mean by shifting into a passing gear?