Rear Axle C Clip - Bandaid Fix Idea

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ed1948

Royal Smart Person
Aug 6, 2016
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My 86 SS, 90K miles, has left side axle knock probably due to a worn C clip groove. Also there is a jolt when shifting to D from N, idle speed is 650. As a semi permanent, budget friendly fix, could I use a thicker C clip to fill the excessive space in the axle groove(assuming the groove/C clip being worn is the cause). I believe there may have been an issue with the 7 5/8" axle produced at the Buffalo plant.
The manual does not give details on checking a rear end externally but here is what I have noted:
-rotational play at pinion = 1/8"
-rotational play at left wheel 1/4"
There is about 1/8" in out movement of the left axle, 1/16" at the right axle.
 

64nailhead

Goat Herder
Dec 1, 2014
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Upstate NY
No, there is not a thicker c-clip available as far as I know, and it's not a solution even if there was one available. Your best bet is to pull both axles and inspect them at the c-clip groove, splines and the axle bearing area. If you could post some photos, then it would become much more obvious of your issue.

I will assume that you have no leaks, vibrations or abnormal noises. Do you own a dial indicator with a magnetic base?
 
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pontiacgp

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Mar 31, 2006
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that is a leap to say an axle knock is being caused by a worn C clip grove without inspecting the rear end. Like 64nailhead suggested you need to pull the axles to inspect them and the c clip. Plus look at the axles to see if they are worn from riding on the axle bearing and check the bearing itself.
 
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Texas82GP

Just-a-worm
Apr 3, 2015
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Ed, there is no way you have a major wear issue on that cream-puff. No offense. Just sayin. Run it.
 

ed1948

Royal Smart Person
Aug 6, 2016
1,286
1,613
113
Quinte West, Ontario
Pinion Bearing - seems tight- as in no lateral movement.
I guess the in/out play is governed by the crush sleeve.

The only backlash could be the ring and pinion.. I have no actual practical experience with diffs other than changing a pinion seal and changing the fluid.
I'm scared of destroying my rear end because it would mean parking the beast until my finances improve. I may have to replace 5 year old tires - I find wet grip is marginal.
 

pontiacgp

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Mar 31, 2006
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are you sure that "axle knock" isn't a loose or broken shock or the exhaust system has a broken hanger....
 
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