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TR2/3/3A Rear End Klunky

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mt10flyer

mt10flyer

Senior Member
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Well, it's time to face it. My rear end is klunky. So is the one on my 1959 TR3.

It is internal and klunks on bumps and not on acceleration so I think the differential is ok. That would mean it is likely the axle and/or bearings. Looking at the manual it looks like I need the case spreader tool to get at the diffy bearings. Is that right? Crapola. Also, Moss does not carry the axle. Is there another source?
 
tinman58

tinman58

Jedi Knight
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check your shock levers first. For some reason mine worked loose. Much easier fix than the rear end diff.
 
TR4nut

TR4nut

Yoda
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+1 on what Dan said. Had the same issue on my TR4 - it was the mounting bolts holding the lever shock to the frame. Its a hard noise to pinpoint.
 
TR3driver

TR3driver

Great Pumpkin - R.I.P
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+1 on shocks again. Mine seem less prone to coming loose since I started using 'Stover' nuts instead of Nylocs, and I also cut down a steel flat washer so it would fit between the nut and the shock ear. Had to modify a cheap socket (ground it to a taper) to get a good grip on the nuts. The rubber in the link arm sometimes fails as well.

It is possible to R&R the diff carrier without the spreader tool. I didn't take photos of the TR3 diff, but here's one of the Stag diff:


To reinstall, gently tap it into place with a brass hammer.

But from your description, I seriously doubt that bearings are the problem. And with or without the tool, rebuilding the diff is a whole lotta work. When I did the Stag, it took me over a dozen tries just to get the pinion preload right; and several more for each of the other shim packs.
 
CJD

CJD

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When the diff bearings go bad you get a roaring sound, followed in short mileage by a gear whine...with the roar. Clunking sounds like suspension problems.
 
T

titanic

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Another plus for loose shock mounts. A rough road will make the car feel&sound like it is falling apart. If you have a green TR3 with tan interior, I met you at the MG national meet in Corvallis, OR. I was surprised to see a row of non-MGs at the meet. How did the return trip go? Berry
 
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mt10flyer

mt10flyer

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Hi titanic,
I have a sinking feeling that it was not me you met. I was not in Corvallis at that time.

I'll be checking the suspension later.

-david
 
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titanic

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Sorry for the confusion David, the person I talked to was from Reno and figured there weren't that many 59 3s from that area. Berry
 
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