Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Just took Zippy for a 100-mile shakedown run after the longest brake job I've ever done (2 weeks and it fought me every step of the way!).

Brakes work nice now. I need to set the idle a bit higher - it kills sometimes at stop lights.

Anyway, the only disturbing noise is a metallic clink from the rear when I let out the clutch. Doesn't do it every time. Wondering if it is the u-joints on the drive shaft.

I did notice some slack when turning the rear axles by hand. There was a good amount of play before meeting resistance from the diff. Normal?

A fun way to find if your U-Joint is bad is to drive at 35 or 40MPH in 4th gear. Keep the car at low revs and alternate between lightly accelerating and decelerating. Normally a real audible clunk occurs during the transition as the slack is taken up (window open). U-Joints are cheap (~$25), look for a Driveline Specialty Shop nearby...TR

My experience with u joints is when they go they cause drive line vibrations. Clunking sounds in the rear seems to be caused by slop/wear in the rear end gears and splines. Unless the joints are a million years old, w/ no grease or you pull wheelies I would lean towards the pumpkin.