Clunk, Clunk, Clunk!

[Lloyd Moore]

Okay, someone smarter than myself help me out. I have a 67 Coronet and I hear a clunking sound whenever I make a right turn. No problem with left turn. I pulled the 742 case with 2:94 gears out and replaced it. I also had new bearings and seals installed. I jacked the car up with both wheels off the ground, seated the driver's side rear axle, and adjusted the end place on the passenger side rear. Once I got it all back together it started doing the same thing. There's nothing hitting against the undercarriage and the exhaust pipes are not rubbing. So, the question is, what's my problem? Thanks.

 

[Yatzee]

Okay, someone smarter than myself help me out. I have a 67 Coronet and I hear a clunking sound whenever I make a right turn. No problem with left turn. I pulled the 742 case with 2:94 gears out and replaced it. I also had new bearings and seals installed. I jacked the car up with both wheels off the ground, seated the driver's side rear axle, and adjusted the end place on the passenger side rear. Once I got it all back together it started doing the same thing. There's nothing hitting against the undercarriage and the exhaust pipes are not rubbing. So, the question is, what's my problem? Thanks.

Is it possible that you're looking in the wrong section of the car for the clunking noise. I recently had a similar issue with a friends '65 Imperial on right turns and it ended up being his rear upper control arm bushing was worn out. As a matter of fact, the rubber insert had projected out of the metal sleeve and half of it was gone. Have you got this "clunk" narrowed down to the rear of the car? Have you checked all the frame anchor points for broken welds or cracking ( torque boxes, cross members, k-frame )? It's hard to diagnose without knowing specifically where the sound is coming from.

 

[Mike in Boston]

Bumper jack rolling around in the trunk?

 

[Lloyd Moore]

Bumper jack rolling around in the trunk?

Nope, nothing in trunk.

 

[Lloyd Moore]

Is it possible that you're looking in the wrong section of the car for the clunking noise. I recently had a similar issue with a friends '65 Imperial on right turns and it ended up being his rear upper control arm bushing was worn out. As a matter of fact, the rubber insert had projected out of the metal sleeve and half of it was gone. Have you got this "clunk" narrowed down to the rear of the car? Have you checked all the frame anchor points for broken welds or cracking ( torque boxes, cross members, k-frame )? It's hard to diagnose without knowing specifically where the sound is coming from.

 

[Lloyd Moore]

Thanks, Yatzee, I'll check all that tomorrow.

 

[rrTor-Red]

Check the right front of your car.

 

[Yatzee]

Okay, someone smarter than myself help me out. I have a 67 Coronet and I hear a clunking sound whenever I make a right turn. No problem with left turn. I pulled the 742 case with 2:94 gears out and replaced it. I also had new bearings and seals installed. I jacked the car up with both wheels off the ground, seated the driver's side rear axle, and adjusted the end place on the passenger side rear. Once I got it all back together it started doing the same thing. There's nothing hitting against the undercarriage and the exhaust pipes are not rubbing. So, the question is, what's my problem? Thanks.

You mentioned that it happens on right turns, so, is that like sharp right turns or on all right turns? That leads me to believe the issue is in the front of the car and the sound is being amplified by the k-member and floor pan giving the impression it's in the rear. There's a lot going on in the front suspension but if you've ruled out ball joints and tie rod ends that only leaves the idler arm ( very possible bushing slipping in it's sleeve ), lower A-arm bushings, upper A-arm bushings and components that have come loose over time. Even a loose shock that appears tight can cause an issue. Loose body panels can cause snapping when flexed mildly by a cracked or insecure k-member. You definitely have your work cut out but you really need to find the quandrant the noise is coming from. Perhaps a friend outside the vehicle can shed more light as you sit in the car and manipulate the steering system.

 

[dvw]

Instead of bouncing the car do this. Have someone grab the roof near the drip rail and rock the car side to side. If you don't hear the noise grab various components with your hand while your helper rocks it. If something has any play you'll feel it easily.
Doug

 

[Lloyd Moore]

Check the right front of your car.

I checked the right front of the car. Removed the right front wheel, and guess what? One upper control arm bushing is gone. I guess the sound was traveling through the chassis. Thank for the great advice!