Nut on viscous couple stack loose?

[TrystanGST]

I've got a loud clunk/knock coming from the right front of my car.
It has gotten louder over the last few days.
It only becomes apparent under light throttle or coasting.
It disappears under moderate throttle or braking.
It does seem to be speed dependent - i.e. faster at higher speeds.

I jacked up the right front of the car and checked the axle boots and made sure the wheel was tight on the hub (don't ask, somehow I've had 2 wheels loose lately).

I was able to wiggle the wheel back and forth a little and it would make a clicking noise. The sound seemed to come from either where the axle goes into the trans or the trans itself. I put my had on the end of the trans case and was able to feel the click.

My thought is that the nut has spun loose from the stack and is hitting the case. Clearly this is a major problem if true, and I plan on pulling the end case to verify it this weekend. I am just wondering if I am on the right track?

 

[bryanwheat]

Are you saying that there is play in the wheel like a loose wheel bearing or that there is play when you turn the wheel. By the way there is no nut on the viscous coupler, there is a snap ring holding it in.

 

[TrystanGST]

I can rotate the wheel a little before the diff stops me (since the other wheel is on the ground). I forgot about the coupler - I must be thinking about one of the gear stacks. Ugh. Would a loose nut match my description? Or am I barking up the wrong tree? I guess the only way to know for sure is to take the cover off.

 

[Sp1kE]

Yes the loose nut on the gear stack under the first cover there is not totally uncommon...
Drain the fluid and pop the cover off.
You should be able to easily fix it with the transmission in the car.

 

[jtmcinder]

Not sure about this whole "nut on the viscous coupling" stuff. When the end-case is off the transmission, the shaft(s) with the VC on it is the only one (of the three) that doesn't have a nut on it. Right?

example: http://reocities.com/MotorCity/flats/9951/images/dsm-trans_cover_off-1.jpg

 

[bryanwheat]

You would not feel play while turning the wheel is those nuts were loose. Those just hold on the 5th gear assembly. It is normal to have a little play.

 

[TrystanGST]

Not sure about this whole "nut on the viscous coupling" stuff. When the end-case is off the transmission, the shaft(s) with the VC on it is the only one (of the three) that doesn't have a nut on it. Right?

example: http://reocities.com/MotorCity/flats/9951/images/dsm-trans_cover_off-1.jpg

Yeah. That was my bad memory.

 

[TrystanGST]

So I popped the cover. The snap ring on the VC is still in place, as are the two nuts on the gear stacks. The culprit seems to be the reverse brake ring. There's nothing holding it on the stack, and only a wave spring to keep it in place. When I removed the end cover, the ring was out of place. Do I need to replace the wave spring possibly?

 

[bryanwheat]

So I popped the cover. The snap ring on the VC is still in place, as are the two nuts on the gear stacks. The culprit seems to be the reverse brake ring. There's nothing holding it on the stack, and only a wave spring to keep it in place. When I removed the end cover, the ring was out of place. Do I need to replace the wave spring possibly?

There is not anything to hold the syncro in place other than the piece that is screwed into the end of the cover. IT will fall out with the cover off.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Yes is learned that a few years ago it just fell off.

 

[98zx23369]

It actually sounds like you have a wheel loose. Go around and make sure they are all torqued, and that there's no dirt or anything behind the rim

 

[TrystanGST]

So I put the car into reverse, let the synchro collar hold the reverse brake ring, made sure the wave spring was lined up, and put it all back together. The noise has not reappeared. Go figure.