Driveline Clunk When Starting

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Driveline Clunk When Starting #763533 11/08/06 03:51 AM

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 5

N. GA Mountains

KLRTom

Need a Spot

My 1998 Cherokee 4WD is making a clunk in the rear when I start up from a stop. It almost feels like the wheels are loose on the rear hubs. All lug nuts are tight, the U joints don't appear to be bad. I searched the archives but couldn't see where this one has been posted before. Anybody have any ideas?

Re: Driveline Clunk When Starting [Re: KLRTom] #763534 11/08/06 04:31 AM

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 7,768

Central Texas

BigJim

Web Wheeler

Could be a spring.. specially a hanger. Possibly a tranny mount. You need to put the vehicle in neutal and get under it and give the u-joints some real pushing and pulling to verify no looseness at all in any direction.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

professional bovine relocation specialist

Re: Driveline Clunk When Starting [Re: BigJim] #763535 11/09/06 03:57 AM

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 1,175

Mid-town Richmond, VA

NCBBA2358

Body Damage is Cool

In addition to BigJim's thoughts, put the Jeep up on jack stands, on the suspension , not necessarily the frame. Then, when you feel safe enough, squat down at each tire and yank it in and out and try to push/pull from side to side and see if you feel any movement. Then try to rotate the wheel and look for slack or delay in your drive shaft turning....

91 Jeep Wrangler YJ, carpet, tires, trailer hitch. yea....

Re: Driveline Clunk When Starting [Re: NCBBA2358] #763536 11/10/06 09:21 AM

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 734

Lubbock, Texas!!!!

derangedcj Offline

Rock Warrior

Another thing i would check are the wedge retaining bolts. Bolt of mine has snapped. Your could literally go shake the axle up and down with out trying. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

83 CJ-7 3 in suspension. All problems currently fixed. Just Everyone Elses Parts. JEEP

Re: Driveline Clunk When Starting [Re: derangedcj] #763537 11/12/06 03:08 AM

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 5

N. GA Mountains

KLRTom

Need a Spot

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I'll check these out tomorrow. Does anyone have an idea how much play there should be in the driveshaft? What I mean is, how much should you be able to rotate it before all the play is taken up by the differential? It seems like I can turn it about 1/8 of a turn.

Re: Driveline Clunk When Starting [Re: KLRTom] #763538 11/12/06 03:53 AM

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 7,768

Central Texas

BigJim

Web Wheeler

Yes there is play between the pinion and the ring gear.. play is normal. 1/8" is 12.5* that may be a bit large but prolly your "clunk" is not in there.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

professional bovine relocation specialist

Re: Driveline Clunk When Starting [Re: KLRTom] #763539 11/12/06 08:55 AM

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 1,087

Southeast Michigan

BobRowe

Body Damage is Cool

There is likely to be some movement in the differential, and maybe some in the transfer case/transmission. But there should be absolutely no movement in the driveshaft itself. If there is, one or both U-joints need to be changed, or one of the yokes is stretched or worn, or the U-bolts or strap bolts are loose.

1977 CJ-7, fiberglass body, AMC 360 w/ headers, DUI ignition, Edelbrock intake and Holley 4150 carb, TF999, Dana 300, 4.56 gears lockers, York air comp, 4" susp lift, 2" body lift, BFG 35" M-T tires, Megashifter, AGR pump & box, REP8000 winch.

Re: Driveline Clunk When Starting [Re: BigJim] #763540 11/13/06 01:05 AM

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 5

N. GA Mountains

KLRTom

Need a Spot

Actually, the play is about 1/8 of a complete rotation of the driveshaft. More like 1 1/2 inches. Unfortunately, there is no play in the u joints. I'm thinking it seems more like the pinion.