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TR2/3/3A Rear End Klunky

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mt10flyer

mt10flyer

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