Starting yesterday, I've developed a clunk sound in the rear end when turning. At first it was fairly quiet and I thought a shovel was shifting when I turned. I secured the shovel and the sound was still there. Today it is much more pronounced. It happens when turning. The sound is definitely coming from the rear end. I just crawled under there and checked everything for movement. I couldn't find anything that would account for the clunk. I really don't need a new problem right now. What do you think it could be? Thanks.

 

If you can, climb underneath and get someone to push the rear end from side to side. Pay close attention to the Watts linkage system. There are lots of parts that can wear out and cause knocking and clunking sounds only when turning and articulating.

 

The center bearing on the watts linkage is most likely your culprit. As said above, your best bet is to have someone rock the truck while you crawl underneath and visually inspect the area circled in red.

 

I've pretty much come to the conclusion it's the watts linkage bushings. It only happens when the weight shifts. It doesn't have to be a turn really, just a weight shift. As for turns, a series of turns in the same direction only makes one clunk as long as the weight doesn't shift back between turns. I think that eliminates the differential. The watts bushings are not cheap if you replace the whole set, around $300. I'd sure like to just replace one bushing if it's the center one.

 

If you want to save money, just find a used linkage on ebay or at a wrecker. It'll be anywhere from $20-75 for the entire system and anyone could unbolt the thing and put it in. Brand new parts are very expensive and very hard to replace unless you buy the entire unit. your call.

 

Thanks. I'll try that first.

 

you can also get just new Land Rover replacement bushings on ebay also like $80, no need to buy the complete assembly

 

As insurance and peace of mind. You could Disconnect your sway bar and go for a drive. If the noise persists - it's your watts bushings.

 

True. Needless to say, You would need the Bush pressed in.

 

Hi David, it's rare all of the Watts bushes fail together usually just 1 or 2. You can usually see the offending bush by jacking up onto axle stands or put the truck on a ramp and you can test by moving the bodyshell from side to side. Pressing out the old bushes is a real PITA and a job for a hydraulic press, minimum 15-30 tons depending on your luck. Pressing in the new bush is usually far easier but best done on a press. Keep well clear as 20-30 tons is a lot of stored energy.

Of course the 'clunk' could be shock absorber bushes worn out, infinitely simpler to change.