Above rear axle. Is it OK to be loose and rattly or should it be tight? I am hearing a loud click on accel/decel. Almost like something separating then snapping back. Could it have something to do with this loose part?
That is your Brake Compensator Linkage Rod. It has plastic bushings that go in those two holes that are commonly missing. Should replace and see if that is your noise.
Any Fiat vendor should stock them 4 total as they are split in half.
George,
The brake compensator is designed to keep the rear brakes from locking up under panic/hard braking. As the front end dives and the rear rises, it "activates" and releases the rear brake pressure. I would not be surprised if yours is no longer functioning correctly. When I first started my resto, mine was "frozen" = no rear brakes.
I ended up just by-passing and removing it. Most of the vendors sell the by pass hose - pretty common mod.
Kevin McMullen
1974 Fiat Spider - Restoration Complete! But the mods/refinements continue
1980 Fiat Spider
2013 Subaru WRX