I've been hunting down a horrible clunk and vibration. It happened one morning when I put the car into reverse. The car drove home fine the day before. Now the noise is constant. Thought it was the ujoint but its not. I've only taken it around the block at this point. If I grab my rear tire and pull outwards it pulls the passenger tire in when I push the tire inwards the other tire pushes out. My manual states the axle shims are the problem but the diagram doesnt show shims. I feel like a clip or something broke. I haven't opened the pumpkin yet that's my next go but wanted some insight so maybe I can have parts on hand when i dig in. Any knowledge on the subject is greatly appreciated. Sent from my SM-J327V using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Nobody around anymore that still has knowledge on the original equipment? Sent from my SM-J327V using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
@hobbyjp It has been many years (decades) since I have been inside one of those, but I recall the basic setup. The axles are retained by ‘C’ clips on their inner ends. Like many later rear diffs, you remove the diff cover, remove the locking pin (small bolt) from the carrier, push out the spider gear pin, push the axles inward to gain access to the ‘C’ clip, remove it, and withdraw the axle. What I do not recall, exactly, is if there is spacer block in the diff carrier through which the spider gear pin passes. I seem to recall that spacer block, but can’t swear to it. Given the way the assembly is designed, it is not immediately apparent to me how and/or why the axles move in unison. Even if the carrier bearings were wiped out one would think the pinion gear to ring gear contact would limit sideways movement of the carrier in at least one direction. How much side move is there when pushing/pulling on the wheels? In any event, sideways movement of the carrier assembly is only scenario I can imagine allowing the axles to move in unison. Obviously, a tear down is in order. Please post what is found upon inspection. Ray
Are the U bolts holding the axle to spring tight?Any chance the spring center bolt sheared? Movement caused by these can cause clunking too.
Thank you for the input. It baffles me too how its moving I'm starting to think it's the carrier bearing some how. Its moving 1/4 atleast side to side. I'm opening it in the next couple of days I'll keep you up dated. Sent from my SM-J327V using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Thought about that one rearend is too solid for that and I measured from the axle to the perches it's pretty square. Sent from my SM-J327V using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Awesome thread had alot of information I hope it's something as easy as a clip and larger spacer block Sent from my SM-J327V using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I found another rearend nearby that I'm gonna pickup in the next few days can anyone confirm if a 51 3 speed torque tube rearend will fit a 54 3 speed? Im gonna pull mine open I the next few days and see what I can fix iys worth saving as all the brake components are brand new Sent from my SM-J327V using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
The ‘49 thru ‘54 Chevys are all built on the same wheelbase and basic chassis/running gear. The earlier torque tube/carrier assembly should fit with no issues. Ray
I would guess it's a carrier bearing. If both axles shift side to side together, then the C clips and spacer block are doing their job. I had a carrier bearing fail with similar symptoms.
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