Torsen axle clunking

[kewnin]

I just test drove a 2020 GT with factory Performance Pack and 10R80. I was driving under 5mph and making a left turn when I heard a clunking noise which sounded like it came from the rear axle. Is this normal?

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[John S]

Is this normal?

Probably, any sound clips? My 3.73 w/torsen is clunky and noisy but it wasn't very noticable until I defeated the OEM rubber isolation with axle bushing lockouts and cradle bushing lockouts. Are there any mods on the car?

 

[kewnin]

Probably, any sound clips? My 3.73 w/torsen is clunky and noisy but it wasn't very noticable until I defeated the OEM rubber isolation with axle bushing lockouts and cradle bushing lockouts. Are there any mods on the car?

I don't have any sound clips. The only mods I saw were a metal coolant recovery tank, a cold air intake, and oil catch cans under the hood. It's really loud and I suspect a resonator delete. It has the stock mufflers/tires/wheels. 29,000 miles. I wasn't able to look under it and I suspect it has been lowered.

 

[sloopy]

Does the same noise occur after shifting from drive to reverse (or vice versa) and applying throttle? If so, I believe it is caused by bad or loose axle thrust washers.

 

[kewnin]

It only happened once during a test drive and I didn't use reverse. I'm wondering if it could be an axle CV joint?

 

[Jccams]

I just test drove a 2020 GT with factory Performance Pack and 10R80. I was driving under 5mph and making a left turn when I heard a clunking noise which sounded like it came from the rear axle. Is this normal?

I have the same car, 2019. I have no noise like you describe.

 

[NightmareMoon]

The axles are very reliable, thats probably not it.

Its nearly impossible to diagnose a noise over the internet. Could be a few things. Could be a loose item in the trunk. Could be a swaybar endlink, or something on the road, or… since the car is clearly more than a little modified, thats a whole bag of things too.

 

[stang17]

My 3.73 torsen did clunk at low speeds. When I replaced it with a 3.31 trac lock, I still had some chunks. Specifically at low turning speeds or on immediate change of position from either forward or reverse. Ended up being a combination of bad driver side wheel hub (they are notorious for failing on lowered cars) , thrust washer for axle (Ford has an improved version), and sway bar end links.

I went with the Timken wheel hub, upgraded thrust washer, and replaced sway bars and endlinks with steeda versions. Have been clunk free ever since.

 

[kewnin]

I appreciate your advice. I'm 70 years old am just getting back into "cars again". Back in the 70's and 80's I've owned 5 Shelby Mustangs, a Plymouth Superbird, 2, 64 Corvette sports coupes a 69 Road Runner and others as well. I don't know about Torsen differentials but the sound could be coming from another source but it definitely sounded like the axle.

 

[petronix]

Could be the driveshaft carrier bearing support also. Mine clunks when I get of and on the throttle at low rpms.

 

[kewnin]

I appreciate the advice as I wouldn't have thought of that!

 

[WItoTX]

It's probably your torsen, and likely normal. If everything works, no weird vibrations, I wouldn't stress too much.

There is a turn at Barber that is a decreasing radius where you apply a little throttle mid corner before braking and turning in. The pop from my Torsen as it locked back up exiting the corner was truly something. Only heard it on video, and have done a track day since then with no odd sounds, so just the way it works I think.

 

[kewnin]

I only heard the noise during a test drive and am supposed to take delivery of the car this Saturday so I'm hoping it's not a major problem.

 

[SHOdaddy68]

My Torsen is also "Clunky". Mostly when turning and/or under heavy throttle. If it's at a dealer you should look into a used car extended warranty. Although, it may not cover aftermarket modifications........

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