C 1 springs still clankinking ???

[Debra P.]

I found 4 bolts missing inside the rear frame bracket & had them replaced. I thought I finally found it. The clank sound is still there(not as bad though). My mechanic says the springs are fine & the car sits & rides well. Does anyone know where else I can look under the car to see what is causing this clank sound ? When I go over a speed bump or turn around a corner with a dip in the road (clank). The bushings all look fine. Is their a way to lubricate the leaf springs ? Could it be those liners inbetween the leafs ?
Thanks everyone,
Deb

[John H.]

Re: C 1 springs still clankinking ???

Deb -

Don't know what year C1 you have, but other sources of "clunks" can be in the radius rod bushings (axle-to-frame), rear stabilizer bar linkage, or worn upper or lower rear shock bushings where they attach to the spring plate and to the frame crossmember.

[Gary Bishop]

Re: C 1 springs still clankinking ???

After driving our `62 to Steamboat Springs and back a few years ago I found my clunk was the bolts and bushings on the rear stabilizer bar linkage being loose and worn.

[Chuck R.]

Re: C 1 springs still clankinking ???

Hi Deb,

I'm a C-3 Guy but what the hey right?

I doubt lubricating the leafs will get rid of a "Clank", you definately have a loose component somewhere.

If a bump brings out the "Clank", it's going to take the process of elimination I'm afraid.

A clank has to be from heavier metal items coming together I would speculate.

Can you home in on the general area? As your talking rear springs, I'll assume you have it narrowed down to the rearward area of the car.

Your mechanic has probably already "been there/done that", but how about the following?

Exhaust system, hangers and clearances Ok?

Is it still Ok when the suspension is bounced?

Any loose components IN the trunk area especially down in the fender wells? Do C-1's have fender wells? Even looking up under the deck in the trunk area might produce something.

Had an experience with a car that had a pesky thumping sound that drove the dealer crazy until they put a guy in the trunk with a flashlight.

It turned out to be a 3/4" bolt tied to a string with a note the said "Ha Ha you found me"

Takes all types doesn't it?

Regards,

Chuck

[Terry D.]

Re: C 1 springs still clankinking ???

Are you sure it's not coming from the truck? Check the jack and handle. Just my 2 cents.
Terry

[Dennis C.]

Re: C 1 springs still clankinking ???

I would put the exhaust system at the top of my "suspect" list. It is not an easy task to align C1 systems perfectly. I'd put it on a rack, take a good size rubber hammer (or the palm of your hand), and see if a pipe is riding close enough to the frame to cause a knocking sound. First make sure the 3 nuts (each side) are tight where the exhaust manifolds attach to the head pipes. Hope I'm not doing a wild goose chase, but the above has very often been my experience. Good Luck Dennis

[Debra P.]

Re: C 1 springs still clankinking ???

Gotta tell ya Chuck, it is 2pm in AZ & I have been on the phone with tech support since 5am trying to get rid of a virus on my laptop,nearly lost my mind & then I read your email & laughed like hell! THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOO much, what a lifesaver you are ! Sometime a good laugh really can make a difference.
Thanks,
Deb

[Chuck R.]

Re: C 1 springs still clankinking ??? *NM*

[Chuck R.]

Re: All it cost me

Was a bouquet of flowers and a new set of batteries for that poor mechanic who died of suffication and left the flashlight on

Good luck with your "Clank"

Mr. #32205

[Dick W.]

Re: C 1 springs still clankinking ???

Chuckster, in 1957 the local Oldsmobile/Cadillac dealership has a new Olds with a thud-thunk that was about to drive them crazy. They worked on it for days and could not find it. Finally they started disassembling the interion and under the right rear quarter trim panel was a Coca Cola bottle hanging from a string with a note with the same line "Ha-ha, you found me" Wonder if it was the same clown?

[Chuck R.]

Re: This one was a Crown Victoria

I guess the sense of humor was universal amongst assembly line crews Huh?

Our's was up in the left rear quarter panel where it rose up by the rear window.

Way too much time on those Dudes hands back then.

How's the weather down there Ya'll?

Gonna get some more wonderful snow WITH freezing rain tonight if you can believe it!

Chuck

[Dick W.]

Re: This one was a Crown Victoria

Iffen the weather forcase is rat, we'uns should be a gittin' a lot cooler weather by the weekend

[Dennis C.]

I must admit,..

...I've never really heard a sound that I would describe as "clankinking" - I can barely say the word, but I learn every day on this board... Dennis