CLANK CLANK CLANK noise, maybe the transmission universal joint??

Question

Hi!

I have an Oldsmobile delta 88 1973 and when I move at about 40 Km/h the car vibrate a little but over 50 Km/h or more it stop.

Also, sometimes when moving and I remove my foot from the accelerator, I can hear a CLANK CLANK CLANK noise, like empty conserve cans under the car, it do that about 1 or 2 times every 10Km or less...

I tried to move the drive shaft by hand to see if something is loose but it solid like rock so I don't know if it's really the universal joint.

And if it's that, how much it cost to repair that problem in a garage?? Parts + labour??

Thanks!!

Answer 1

really sounds like the universals, trying holding your foot on the brake and shift from reverse to drive a few times listening for that clunk.

Answer 2

An easy test, if the U-joints are worn out, is when the car is parked on a level surface (tranny in Park) you will kind of sit on the bumper and push the car back and forth with your legs and butt. If there is a lot of movement and a clunk or if a buddy can peek at the driveshaft while you are rocking the car and watch those U-joints. It's best to replace both or all three at the same time and have the driveshaft balanced, too.

If you do it yourself, it'll cost maybe $50 for two or three U-joints. If you pay a garage just to do the U-joints, maybe $100-150. If you take it to a shop that specifically handles driveshafts and they balance the driveshaft and new U-joints, maybe $200.

The longer you neglect a U-joint the worse the problem can get. Worst case scenario is a twisted pretzel on the Interstate when you hit 90 plus MPH. A bad U-joint or a failed U-joint will leave you stranded when it goes. I lost a transmission and gas tank to a thrown driveshaft (twisted pretzel) on a '76 Suburban while taking a quiet drive home one night when I hit 110MPH. Oops!

Good Luck!

Answer 3

if it is the universal that's an easy fix. do it yourself in a half hour for under 20 bucks, but if the driveshaft feels solid that's probally no the problem. I'd suspect the rear end. jack the rear end up and spin a tire, the other tire should move in the opposite direction with minimal play. you shouldn't be able to rotate a tire much more than an inch without engagement (taking into account the age of the car). also, check the fluid level in the differential. if this is the problem it will be costly, but you can probally find a used rear end at the junk yard and be driving again for 250 dollars. if you can id where the noise is coming from you can get a better idea of what the problem might be.

Answer 4

u can set still and hold the brake ,shift from D to N and N toR if u r universal's are bad u'll hear a clank when it goes in gear part is less than 20$ i would say and labor an hour.

Answer 5

i use to have a 73 olds, but mine was a cutlass.it could be the u-joint. do like chuck told you, try shifting it back and forth, if its the u- joint, it will let you know. for about $20 bucks you can fix it yourself. i bet its the back u-joint, also once the driveshaft is out, check the nut on the pinion gear, it could be loose, its right by the rear seal on the rear end.