Dreaded "TING" sound

[BenjamminsFiat]

Hey all,

I'm getting a distinct "TING" sound from what sounds like the middle-rear when I change acceleration direction. Mostly when I take off from first, but it'll do it a lot in my parking garage. It's been going on since I got the car, but it's gotten more regular and frequent now.

I did some research (it's hard to search on a sound) and supposedly the sound is made by splines in the rear not lining up correctly? The rear-end is one part of the car that I have NO experience or knowledge about. I suspect something's loose and binding for a second when I take off?

Can you guys please give me some advice? I was going to start a bunch of other projects this week, but they were upgrades and I feel like this takes precedence.

Thanks!

[So Cal Mark]

a "ting" is usually u-joint related, but the flange bolts at the diff may be loose

[BenjamminsFiat]

Of course you were right, Mark. I found the following post when researching this issue before:

You need to remove a Uni joint to get to the nut which allows you to split the front tailshaft section and replace the rubber support, so it would be wise to replace these both as well while your in there...loctite this nut when you refit it.

Make sure the rear yoke splines are a nice snug fit too... if there is slop at the splines you'll hear a "ting" everytime you take off... a little liquid bearing mount can solve slight spline wear issues. The spline at the other end (donut end) should slide freely and be well greased, if you slide this right off make sure it goes back on the same way or you will have balance issues.

Make sure you mark the relative positions of the tailshaft components to each other and reassmble exactly the same way, i.e. the yoke to the shaft and the two shaft sections relative to each other, or you will loose the dynamic balance and you'll need to get the tailshaft rebalanced at additional cost.

When you install the front rubber donut, evenly tighten the 19mm bolts, and make sure you remove the steel band which the new donut should be fitted with (to stop the donut from spreading so it can be easily fitted)... loctite the rear 13mm bolts where that tailshaft attaches to the diff flange, they are difficult to access and I've seen plenty that were loose in my time.

If the UJ's and rear support are shot, also look for the rear trailing arm bushes being worn, movement at these bushes will wear the UJ's out is short order.

SteveC

Thanks for the quick response! Looks like I've got some research to do.