Driveline Noise

Guys,

I really am stumpped on this one.  Since I had my right T-arm rebuilt and shipped back, and I installed it, I have been hearing a "ticking" noise coming from the right rear wheel area.  It sounds just like pinging the axle with a screwdriver.  It happens whenever torque is applied, but it is not regular, like the same place every revolution, rather it is irregular.  I hate to think that it is coming from the new bearings, but so far I have replaced the right U-joints, rebuilt the calipers and shimmed the pads, tried adjusting the E-brake looser and tighter, jacked it up in the driveway and ran the engine in gear with the wheel, caliper, and rotor off.  Yeasterday I replaced the diff fluid.  Nothing has stopped the noise except parking the Vette.

Any clues?  Everyone who listens thinks it originates at the wheel or the caliper.

Thanks,

Steve

Can you lift the rear wheels and support them without letting the suspension dangle, and run the car?  If so you can listen closer and perhaps find the source.

Two thing come to my mind right off the bat...the "Ping" description helps pin-point it a little for me...
Check the nut on the spindle flange(where the half-shaft bolts on). You'll need to un-bolt the half-shaft flange first, of course. Make sure the shaft flange itself is tight to the spindle flange, also

A question for you...does your car have the aluminuminum half-shafts? If so, there have been instances of them being the source of a "pinging" noise on take-off. Seems the shafts were under stress when the ends were welded on, and after a while, they can start making a creak/ping noise. The solution for this particular issue is to drill a small hole(1/8" or so...I'd have to look up the info) in the shaft on each end, close to the welded area. Then, spray some lube(WD-40/Zep45, etc) into each of the holes, and re-install the shaft(s). This is supposed to cure the noise on those.

Another question...do you feel anything when the noise happens, like a bump, thud, or similar?