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Fri Nov 21, 2008 7:11 pm

when i put my car in reverse and start to let out the clutch there is a clunk that comes from the back right wheel. i already replace all the tranny mounts recently with original rubber ones. i pulled off the brake drum and nothing looks worn. when i jack up the car and i spin the wheel it makes a popping noise like your popping your nuckles. this is a 1964 swing axle tranny. what do you think would cause this?

Fri Nov 21, 2008 7:38 pm

Are your bolts tight at the spring plate/axle housing junction??

Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:12 pm

yes they are tight. could it be bearings?

Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:26 pm

Maybe the fulcrum plates are damaged?? They are where the up and down pivoting of the axle meets the differential. Them, and the spade end of the axle can and do wear or fail.

Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:31 pm

is it an easy fix? this car is a baja and looks like some kids got a hold of it and drove it to death. the underneath of the frame horns, and floor pans are dented. is this safe to drive on? it doesn't seem to be getting worse.

Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:18 pm

If it is the fulcrum plates, it's not extremely technical to do. You will want to follow a manual step by step though. I've got to do mine tomorrow in fact. You've got to be really careful disconnecting the springplates if you do it yourself! Treat it like a guillatine. I had one of mine the other day pop down off of it's lower stop when i pulled the axle out of it's slot. The plate had a bend to it, and it didn't show until it was released. Never have any part of your body under it.
If you've got a lot of patience, a good manual, and a full day to mess with it, it's not that bad. You'll know your car a lot more intimately, having a better understanding of what's going on back there.
Also, pay close attention to the order in which you pulled the seals and spacers under the bearing cap and brake backing plate. Plan on smelling gear oil the next few days too.

Fri Nov 21, 2008 11:17 pm

is the haynes repair manual good? thats what i have.

Sat Nov 22, 2008 7:12 am

The Haynes is all I have access to and have been using. The Bentley and Muir are better though from what everyone says. I usually research it on here and in the tech forums on the manx club website before I touch anything.