How much driveline "slop" is "normal"? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

My 5th · 11-05-2010, 12:37 AM

I've noticed my SS having more driveline "clunk" recently, and thought it was due to a recent differential oil change and the addition of Pedders bushings. But after searching and reading several threads on this clunking subject it appears a lot of us are having this same problem.

I haven't yet gotten my car on a lift to rotate the drive shaft to see how much it will turn before the axles move, but that brings up my question:

How many degrees of rotation before axle movement would be considered "normal"?

If my drive shaft rotates more than the "normal" amount, does that indicate my ring and pinion backlash is excessive? If so, can the pinion backlash be adjusted without removing the differential and pulling covers to expose the gears? If a non-surgical adjustment isn't possible does that mean I may be forced to upgrade to 3.73 or 4.10 gears just to get a proper backlash adjustment?

600hp-lpe · 11-05-2010, 01:38 AM

you have to dive inside the housing to adjust the backlash. Pinion needs to be removed to add/replace the shims.

HRC · 11-18-2010, 05:52 PM

Check your driveshaft bolts! I just pulled the transmission on my car for a new clutch and 2 of the 3 bolts from the driveshaft to the rubber coupler were finger tight, and one would slide back and forth in the hole almost 1/4"! Doubtful it would come apart the way they are assembled, but I could see where some slop would occur. I had the same feeling about mine having alot of driveline slop.

11-05-2010, 12:37 AM	#1
My 5th Drives: 2010 2SS/RS M6 Black on Black Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Global Citizen Posts: 1,243	How much driveline "slop" is "normal"? I've noticed my SS having more driveline "clunk" recently, and thought it was due to a recent differential oil change and the addition of Pedders bushings. But after searching and reading several threads on this clunking subject it appears a lot of us are having this same problem. I haven't yet gotten my car on a lift to rotate the drive shaft to see how much it will turn before the axles move, but that brings up my question: How many degrees of rotation before axle movement would be considered "normal"? If my drive shaft rotates more than the "normal" amount, does that indicate my ring and pinion backlash is excessive? If so, can the pinion backlash be adjusted without removing the differential and pulling covers to expose the gears? If a non-surgical adjustment isn't possible does that mean I may be forced to upgrade to 3.73 or 4.10 gears just to get a proper backlash adjustment? __________________ Meh

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Driveline Guru's anyone have adjustment specs (driveshaft center bearing adjustment)	55Designs	V8 and V6 Transmissions / Driveline (6L80 / 6L50 / TR6060 / AY6)	4	09-20-2010 06:38 PM
Strengthened Driveline	BoostedX2	V8 and V6 Transmissions / Driveline (6L80 / 6L50 / TR6060 / AY6)	16	08-01-2010 09:53 AM
Driveline Loss at High HP	FASST 1	V8 and V6 Transmissions / Driveline (6L80 / 6L50 / TR6060 / AY6)	2	07-23-2010 11:15 AM
Who has the most power on stock tranny and driveline	Jeanius	Camaro V8 LS3 / L99 Engine, Exhaust, and Bolt-Ons	21	04-13-2010 11:04 PM
Driveline noises	Sajonf	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	14	09-10-2009 05:46 AM

11-05-2010, 01:38 AM	#2
600hp-lpe Drives: 2010 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NH Posts: 4,788	you have to dive inside the housing to adjust the backlash. Pinion needs to be removed to add/replace the shims.

11-18-2010, 05:52 PM	#3
HRC Drives: 2010 2SS Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Tiffin, Iowa Posts: 71	Check your driveshaft bolts! I just pulled the transmission on my car for a new clutch and 2 of the 3 bolts from the driveshaft to the rubber coupler were finger tight, and one would slide back and forth in the hole almost 1/4"! Doubtful it would come apart the way they are assembled, but I could see where some slop would occur. I had the same feeling about mine having alot of driveline slop.