an odd noise

[gotV10]

have a genI rt/10 that is making a "clunk" noise when i take off from a stand still. the noise seems to be worse when goin from reverse to drive or visa versa. My first thought was that it might be u-joints, replaced them and its still doin it. If anyone has any ideas please let me know what you think, any ideas will be much appriciated.
ryan

 

[MHQC]

Hey Ryan, from the manual...
BACKLASH CLUNKING NOISE
A loud clunk noise upon acceleration and deceleration could be caused by the following components.
Differential pinion mate gear shaft-to-differential case bore.
Axle shaft splines-to-diff side gear splines
Diiff side gear hub-to-differential case counter bore
Diff side gears-to-pinion gears
Worn thrust washers
Excessive ring gear backlash

Measure the clearances, inspect the components and replace as required.

Hope this helps. Or you could talk to Chuck Tator.

Good luck

 

[gotV10]

don't know if this aditional info will help make a difference, or if it is normal for a viper....but i get alot of wheel hopp when the tires spin.
ryan

 

[MHQC]

Hey Ryan, yes wheel hop is normal. I get it sometimes. Hard to know what exactly causes it; could be the rpm speed at which you release the clutch, the temperature of the pavement and the condition etc...this is very bad. If it starts to do this then stop right away.

When you say it makes a clunk, is it a huge noise to the point you think something is wrong?

 

[gotV10]

well to me any clunk is a problem, i am sure DC did not designe the car with a clunk in mind..lol. the noise is loud enough to hear for sure, my passanger hears it to, so i don't think it is the case of over protective car owner. This noise is also enough that if you are paying attention for it you can feel it in the seat/floorboard. It seems to be commin from the left rear. Also at time its kinda a combination of several small, mabey 3 or so, clunks, kinda like something is in a bind. any further insight you may have is much appriciated.
thanks,
ryan

 

[MHQC]

ryan, hard to tell. where are you located? My advice is that when things are "clunkin" like you said; get that machine to your local Viper tech. Probably be able to diagnose the problem within a couple of minutes and give you an estimate of the repairs. It is a great car isn't it??!!

 

[gotV10]

Michael, for starters...yeah it is one heck of a car, problems or not. Hey, all cars are gonna have some kinda problems. Hopefully it turns out to be as small of a problem as possible. As much as i hate to do it, i would much rather wrench on my own cars, i will be taken it to my local viper tech here in Tallahassee. I want to thank you for all of your time, and consistancy in your responding. I will post again about this issue and what my local tech says in about a two weeks, as i have to go out of town for a while. thanks again.
ryan

 

[GR8_ASP]

Sounds like rear spindle clearance.

 

[gotV10]

ron, how would one go about checkin to c if that is the case with the spindel?
ryan

 

[GR8_ASP]

Not sure if this is a good test but may pin point it. It is based on most of the other potential clunks being clearance related and the spindle joint being under a pre-load.

With the parking brake set fully place the trans in reverse and load let out the clutch partially until the engine load is fully reacted by the brakes (you may need to add brake pressure as the parking brake is not overly effective in reverse). Then place it in first and slowly release the clutch while listening for the clunk. If it occurs right at the beginning before any real load has been applied it is probably a free clearance issue such as gear lash. If it clunks but only after the load has been applied, then it is probably a loaded joint. The spindle is one of the loaded joints. Suspension joints would also react in a similar manner but are much less common.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[GCHDEALER]

Sell it and buy an '01. That is what I did! But be sure you sell it to some one close by so that you can still visit it from time to time! You'll always have a special place in your heart for you first one. Glad to see you finally got to where you could post. You sure have one of the best D@MN looking Gen I's one this board.

Here is another shot (Car looks better by itself )

...and looks even better in this picture

 

[gotV10]

tried the parking break test several times....no clunk, so now what does that eliminate, if anything?