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I have a slight problem with the rear end moving when I change gear, do you know what causes this?
You are experiencing what is known as the Triumph Rear End Twitch. The real source of the problem is the rear axle shaft splines, which lock up when engine torque is applied, and is released again when the torque disappears, e.g. when you change gear. The geometry of the rear suspension is such that when the splines lock up, the rear wheels are no longer free to move up and down as they would normally. So, in circumstances where there are load changes when torque is applied, e.g. when accelerating into a curve, you will notice a rear end twitch when you change gear, and the rear suspension settles in the new position.
This phenomenon was present even when the car was new, but a couple of wear points can exaggerate it. The most important point are the rear splines themselves. They need to have a good coat of molybden based grease. Any stale and old lubricant should be replaced by fresh grease. To get to the splines, you have to undo the axles at the flange of the inner universal joint. Also check the condition of the axle rubber gaiter, and renew if it seems to be stiff and brittle.
Wear in the rear suspension trailing arm hinge bushes will also increase the twitch, as will any looseness in the rear axle rubber mounting points.
By design, the twitch will always be present, and more so the stronger the engine is. Fitting stiffer rear springs and stiffer trailing arm bushes will make it less pronounced.
If you want to get rid of it completely, there are two known solutions:
Latest update: July 12th 2000