P6B Back End Noises

[SimonG]

I am based in Melbourne Australia and own a 1972 Rover P6B. Recently, I have detected a loud clanking noise from the rear left hand side when negotiating tight left handers (bends not people) or when descending into a sudden dip in the road? Under steady conditions with normal road conditions there is no noise. When it happens though it is quite loud and alarming. I have not yet looked underneath the vehicle. Does anyone have any clues as to the possible cause of the noise? Could it be bushes?

Simon

[restojon]

Hi there,
If you're not sure of the source I'd say to start off by checking the right hand side wheel bearings (And even though it sounds silly the wheel nuts too) and work your way in towards the diff, once you have it up in the air hopefully whatever is wrong should make itself apparent. Also check the height of the vehicle both sides, make sure it's the same. Apart from that I can't think of anything else but I'm fairly new to P6's so hopefully one of the old hands will take it from here.......

[webmaster]

Shock bushes ? or just lose mountings.

[SydneyRoverP6B]

G'day Simon,

I would definitely have a look underneath with a bright light and see what you can see. The most likely are any of the suspension bushes along with the shock absorber bushes. The near side diff mount once it starts to deteriorate will also allow the bolt which secures the differential via the mounting plate at that point to work loose. The off side mount tends to fair much better in this regard.

Unless the wheel bearing has suffered a misadventure, it is unlikely to be the cause. The universal joints within the half shafts will tick when reaching the point of failure so keep that in mind too.

There are two rubber '0' rings which secure the muffler (not the resonator) to the underside of the body, and should either of these break can allow excessive movement of the system with possible contact with the spring and other components.

Lets know what you find.

Ron.

P.S : How is the Rover scene in Melbourne these days? Do you see many in your travels? How long have you had your P6B?

[chrisyork]

I left a post in the other thread where you mentioned this. To amplify - my prime suspects would be either the exhaust system as Ron identifies or the shock absorber bushes. To check the top shock absorber bush - the most likely - have the seat bases out so that you can see the top bush and observe what happens when a second person bounces the car for you. You may well see a lot of up and down movement on the nut and shock absorber stud end. This will tend to give thumps and bangs when in use.

Chris

[SimonG]

Thanks Gents, for the ideas of things to check out as the possible cause. I will keep the forum posted on the outcome.

Simon

[SimonG]

An inspection of the rear underside revealed the rear exhaust restraint had broken. Thanks to all for help and suggestions.

Regards...Simon