For some time now I've been hearing a clunk type noise in the rear. When going over bumps at from slow to moderate speeds, I can hear something coming from the rear end and somewhat feel it move a little. I got myself a new jack so I thought I'd try to get a better idea tonight (didn't remove the wheels yet, that'll be tomorrow)

Since there's already a million threads like this, I decided to take a quick video to show what it sounds like. Note that the play in the axle/whatever seems to be when pushing in & out, and is less than 1/16th. I'll also get some squeaking here and there but that's tolerable (I was thinking it might be the brakes) and when decelerating, some type of humming of either the tires or gears, I'm not sure either. Just mentioning those in case it could be all linked together.

Thanks for any input!

 

The c clips should move but I've have never heard a set clunk like that.

 

They move way too easy. On mine I had to fight to get them to move in and out. Maybe the outer bearings are worn or the axle shaft is worn at the bearings.

Also make sure the drums are seated tights (nothing getting in the way), wheels tight when nuts torqued and sitting in the axle cup/ledge the rim fits into.

 

Yep the noise seems pretty abnormal.

I'm gonna get the wheels off today and check the drums, but as far as bearings/axle shafts, I'll have to drain some diff fluid in order to access those right?

 

Yup, take off the differential cover, let it drain, carefully undo the holding pin, push in the axles in, c clip should drop (magnet helps), then you can slide the axles out. Once I had the axles out I slid the holding pin back into the carriage just to make sure the spider gears don't fall out. Be very careful not to turn the differential without that pin in position. Also be careful taking off the screw that holds the pin in place, people have snapped it.


This might be a good time to do the outer bearings and seals.