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[Capri63]

We are in Hollywood, CA and have a 1963 Ford Classic Capri and the rear axle is making knocking noises when I release the clutch in each gear. Does anyone know if this is the bearings in the differential or something else? It definitely seems to be coming from the rear end.
Any help very much appreciated!
Thanks,
Dean

[peteleo]

Dean,

It maybe a faulty u-joint. You can check this by parking the car on a hortizontal surface, no handbrake, and move the driveshaft back and forth by hand. There should be no play. P/N U-50 u-joints are easily obtained at an auto parts store. Ask for one from a TR7/8. If ok, check the R/E flange for movement. You may need to tighten the flange nut a bit.

Pete

[Capri63]

Pete!
Thanks so much...Ill check it out!!
I move the drive backwards and forwards...ie...towards the gearbock and rearend right?
Thanks!
Dean

[peteleo]

I would hold the D/S by hand and twist it back & forth ( or push and pull )at one end near each u-joint seperately. Do this with the car out of gear/no handbrake.

[Capri63]

Hey Pete,
So I tried that.
There is no movement back and forth (towards gearbox and rear end).
But the is play when I twist it clockwise and anticlockwise.
Does that sound like a UJ problem or bearing in differential?
Thanks for the help!
Dean
Ill try and upload some pics of the car...its a beaut...50k original mile car!

[peteleo]

Normally there is about an inch of backlash movement from the R/E.

You don't want any wobble movement at the flanges and U-J.
This may sound a bit obvious but is the R/E filled with oil and the flange bolts tight ? Tailshaft bushing worn causng some play on the yoke.
A loose or worn trans mount ( which is usually saturated with oil ). Check this by moving the tailshaft housing back and forth / up and down.

[Capri63]

Yes the first thing I did was check the oil in the rear end and tighten the flange bolts when I heard the noise and it was all good.
Ill check the up and down movement on the tail shaft and check trans mount...Yes, the trans is super oily underneath!
Thanks,
Dean

[peteleo]

Dean,

While you're at it, I would also check the engine mounts. The rectangular metal support should not be resting on the cross-member. Meaning the rubber support has torn away causing metal to metal contact. That would cause engine vibration/noise. Even with only 50k miles on the car, it may be the original mounts.

Looking forward to see a couple of pictures.

Pete

[Capri63]

Hey Pete,
I checked the engine mounts and they were good.
checked for play in trans tail section and bolts didn't need tightening.
Its weird because it a metal to metal clunk noise only when clutch pedal comes up and down, when it engages and disengages into each gear...so could it be a problem in the third member itself?
Time to take it into the shop I think as I haven't got a ramp...that way I can have someone under it to try and at least determine where the sound is coming from.
Its driving me crazy! haha
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg171/deanmicetich/DSC_0113.jpg
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg171/deanmicetich/DSC_0114.jpg
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg171/deanmicetich/DSC_0116.jpg

[peteleo]

Very nice. The Capri is quite rare in N. America as not many were imported here. This one looks in terrific shape.

It's possible that it maybe the third member but with only 50K orig. miles
I doubt it. Let us know what they find.

Pete

[Capri63]

Thank Pete! Im super happy with it!
I think Im gonna try and change the oil in the rear end first for something thicker and see what happens.
Ill keep you posted!
Dean