Rear end noise on 1991 Miata. Differential?

Hey folks-

My 91 Miata (155K) is making an awful racket, seemingly from the left
rear axle. When I accelerate, it doesn't really seem too bad, but
when I let off the gas and coast, the noise comes, a "Clunk Clunk
Clunk" type. To make matters worse, it seems to diminish
substantially when I step on the brake hard. Also, if I cut the power
and coast in neutral, the noise remains.

Any ideas? I'm seriously hoping it's not the differential.

Mike

In article >,
(Mike Flanagan) wrote:

> My 91 Miata (155K) is making an awful racket, seemingly from the left
> rear axle. When I accelerate, it doesn't really seem too bad, but
> when I let off the gas and coast, the noise comes, a "Clunk Clunk
> Clunk" type.

The first thing to check is the exhaust mounting. If it shifts, a pipe
may hit the frame. Next thing is lugnuts.

--
Lanny Chambers, St. Louis, USA
'94C
the alignment page:
http://www.hummingbirds.net/alignment.html

I also have a '91 Miata (250K) and have experienced a similar problem,
although not as noisy. A new set of rear wheel bearings solved the problem.

Peter Murphy.

"Mike Flanagan" > wrote in message
om...
> Hey folks-
>
> My 91 Miata (155K) is making an awful racket, seemingly from the left
> rear axle. When I accelerate, it doesn't really seem too bad, but
> when I let off the gas and coast, the noise comes, a "Clunk Clunk
> Clunk" type. To make matters worse, it seems to diminish
> substantially when I step on the brake hard. Also, if I cut the power
> and coast in neutral, the noise remains.
>
> Any ideas? I'm seriously hoping it's not the differential.
>
> Mike