63 - Clunk in rear

[Harry S.]

I'm fighting problems in two 63's. This is the last one in the coupe.

I back up and hit the brake and I get a clunk. It only happens one time. I go forward and hit the brake and I get a clunk. Again it only happens one time. If I back up, I get it one time again.

I've replaced the front differential carrier bracket and rubber cushion. The old bracket looked ok, but one could debate if it was bad.
I've tightened every bolt I could find. I'll look at the rear brakes next, a suggestion from a friend. It has to be something that is being reset depending on direction.

Any suggestions.
Thanks

[Edward J.]

Re: 63 - Clunk in rear

When you look at brakes make there not to tight to the drum, also take a piece &0 grit sandpaper and scuff the shoes and drums see if that helps:

[Richard G.]

Re: 63 - Clunk in rear

Harry;
I would jack up one side at a time just enough to get the tire off the ground.
If you jack under the shock mount it will keep the rear geometry close to the same as it is when the 63 is on the ground. This doesn’t work well with the wheel hanging as the U-joints will sometimes hit at the extreme travel.
Roll the tire back and forth by hand. See it anything sounds off.
Do the same procedure on the other side.

If this doesn't identify the issue have someone do the same procedure you did to make the clunk while driving while you stand outside the car.
The noise can be very different from the outside and sometimes it is easier to identify.
Typically, I can get to the correct side to do an inspection.

This also helps; Jjust stand in the middle and have the driver circle me, it both directions.

Cheers.
Rick Geier

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 - Clunk in rear

Not to belabor the obvious but I assume you've done the back/forth clunk tests with EVERYthing out of the jack storage compartment and spare tire tub ?!?

[Bob R.]

Re: 63 - Clunk in rear

Harry,
My 63 makes the same noise and always has and I've owner my car for 21 years. I have rebuilt the entire suspension and brakes over the years and changed or removed and replaced everything at one time or another and I still get the noise. When I back out of the garage first application of the brakes and I get a clunk after that no more noises. I thought it might be the after market brake drums I would love to find out what the cause is.

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 - Clunk in rear

Had a conversation with a long-time restorer pal yesterday and he said he had encountered the "clunk" on first-time rear/forward braking when one (or more) of those 6 "nubs" on the drum brake backing plate where the shoes slide back and forth develops a ridge over the years....as the shoe slides over (one or more) ridges you get the noise. Seems to lessen once the car has been driven for a few minutes...or maybe you just notice it less...

Pure speculation as whether this could be your problem...