Noisy Axles, Is there a trick I don't know about? Options

[John]

This past weekend, I did my first track event of the year (have been doing them for the last 18 years).

I started hearing a clunking noise from the rear. It sounded like it was coming from the Left Rear (Driver side). I checked it out and the only thing I could find was that if you grab the axle shaft and vigerously shake it side to side, the axle shaft will bottom out and cause the clunking sound I am hearing out on the track.

What I believe has happened is that there is no grease left at the end between the stub shaft and the end of the axle to cusion the shaft movement.

Here is part of my problem. I bought the axle shafts from Patrick Motorsports 2-3 years ago when I did the 915/916 transmission, and they are different axle shafts. The stub shaft is connected to the CV joint and the other CV joint (tranny end) has a sealing cap crimped to it. I don't know if it is perminantly attached, or if it comes off.

Are the axle shafts worn out when you can move the axle shaft like this, or do they need grease. If they need grease, how do I get the grease in where I think they need it?

The only changes I made to the rear suspension this winter was to lower it about 3/4" (axle shafts are horizontal), increase the spring rate from 350# to 400#, and align it. I have checked everything out and nothing is loose.

Any ideas, suggestions, or wisecracks welcomed.

[slivel]

If you are hearing noise then in my opinion the safest thing to do is take the axles off and inspect them. If you don't see obvious damage them repack with good lube, reinstall and check them out.

I hate working on axles - one of the worst jobs (mess) period. I went to an off-road business and the sand racers all have extreme axle lube needs so I figured I would use what they do. The guy behind the counter said to mix 50-50, a tube of Swepco 101 Moly and a tube of BelRay lube and repack the axles. The stuff is outrageously expensive though.