Some noise coming out of my rear end

[V Mad]

There are two u/js on each drive shaft, and when they dry up (no grease) they can make a noise; eventually they wear badly and start to clonk. It is difficult to diagnose this and sometimes the only way to be sure is to replace them (not an easy DIY job though).

[Stimpy]

Excuse me for asking but what is involved in greasing them? is it a case of pull back the rubber and put a healthy glob of grease therein? Also which grease would be best to use?

If all else fails - including this one - then I'll leave it to the service place to do :-(

[V Mad]

Steve if you are asking about the u/js then greasing is only a preventive measure used in maintenance; once they start making a noise they will need to be replaced.

Originally there were no grease nipples and were 'sealed for life' but most repalcements now have grease nipples.

[Stimpy]

The original noise has now gone - weird - however I get a squeamish clunk wen coming off or putting on the power. Not between the gears - they're as smooth as ever (zf box). Could this be a 'next stage' after that original noise earlier in the thread?

[flying farmer]

If it is a UJ, then it is probably starting to break up. What happens first is the needle rollers start to crack up which leads to intermittent noise, then as they grind themselves into paste and come out past the seals it leaves enough space for them to clonk. This is often why it is difficult to diagnose in the initial stages as there is often no play in the afflicted UJ.
The next stage is for the outer cup to start turning in yolk, which will render it scrap, which if it is a hub or shaft yolk is expensive, though the diff end is easier to sort out. The final stage is for the outer cup to break up and fall out which can lead to the drive shaft coming apart and flailing about under the car removing brake pipes and fuel lines. This is a bad thing!
I have never had one reach the last stage, but I did have one on the TR get to the point of shattering the outer cup and badly mangling the yolk, and that was in the space of only 5 miles. I had been trying to find the clonking joint for months but there was never any play when I tried. When it did finally let go, it went big time
Neil

[Stimpy]

Just to re-iterate - the clunk ONLY happens when, say, going from Drive to Reverse.

I'm beginning to think I'm being over sensitive as a result of that original noise.

There's probably a medical condition name for all this!!!!!