Jeff,

You are sure it's a "clank" and not a "clunk"? If it was a clunk I could
tell exactly what it is, but it being a "clank" has got me stumped!! :-)

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Jeff Gilbert wrote:

>Apologies in advance for the vagueness of this explanation, but it is a
>strange problem...
>
>Recently I have been experiencing a very loud CLANK (or BANG, or whatever,
>a LOUD noise) coming from the rear of my 87 syncro westie.
>
>The noise only sounds off once, and it happens only occasionally, and
>seemingly always while turning.  It is not the 'Clank clank clank' of a CV
>joint, as I said, I only get one loud clank and its back to normal.
>
>It definitely feels like there is something moving back there... whatever
>is making the noise makes the van slightly move, it feels like I am going
>to lose control briefly, and then everything is back to normal.
>
>It appears to happen when turning in either direction, although I�m not
>entirely sure of this.
>
>It is NOT something moving inside the van.  Sounds like it is underneath
>either in the engine or between the rear wheels.
>
>I have gone underneath and can't see anything obvious.
>
>Yesterday's experience was enough to convince me that this probably
>turning into a safety issue.
>
>Probably not related, but I have noticed a decrease in gas mileage (-1+
>MPG) starting around the same time as the clanking.
>
>Any ideas at all?
>
>TIA,
>
>Jeff
>
>
>
>