Differential output flange in and out play

[tomstin]

I have noticed a cluck in the rear of the car. No real pattern, on the gas, coast, rough road, smooth road. The sound would come and go but loud and often enough I would expect witness marks someplace. I still need to get the car up on jack stands but reaching under the car I grabbed the passenger side half shaft and I can move the output flange quite a bit and the clunk sounds right.

I can't seem to find specs on the differential, particulary how much in and out play to expect on the output flange.

Appreciate the insight...

[digger]

output flanges are held in by a clip so will be play, i doubt there is a spec. You should make sure the clips are fully in their home

[82eye]

check rear subframe bushings and rtabs.

[TobyB]

yeah, the output flanges float in the c- clip, so a mm or 2 isn't unusual.
The input flange should have no motion in it at all.

+1 for clunks being bushings- check the back diff bushing, too, with a pry bay.

t

[tomstin]

Thanks for the ideas. I had the car up on jack stands and with the tires at full droop there is no play in the output flange. The play that is there is probably there to compensate for the travel of the rear wheels. No play in the pinion or output flange while turning the drive shaft or wheels. Driveshaft, also replaced a few years ago, all look good. I rebuilt the rear subframe a few years ago and all those bushings look good. The only thing that looked a bit suspicious was the lower spring pad.

I'm going to drive it and pay closer attention to what is going on when I hear the noise. It doesn't sound like something coming apart, just something that aggravates me!

Thanks again for the insight!