This is not a smiple u-joint because all my u-joints are fine. The clunk occurs when i put it in first gear(std.) and slightly pop the clutch. I got underneeth the trunk and when i turn the driveshaft i can hear it making a noise in the the transfer case, i can turn the driveshaft about 25 degrees before the wheels start turning. What could be the problem. My idea was either that the rear end spider gears have worn or its something to do with the transfer case or clutch.
2006-11-13 04:17:58 · 7 answers · asked by john 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
dodge dakota 4x4 1997
2006-11-13 04:21:04 · update #1
Time to go into the differentials. The clunk is the slack being taken up in the rear when you put it in gear.
2006-11-13 15:35:59 · answer #1 · answered by electron670 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know you say the u-joints are ok, but are they the greasable type? I'll bet they don't have a grease fitting to grease them, do they? Just because they don't have excessive movement in them doesn't mean they aren't the culprit. I have seen them dried out to the point they would stick, and when pressure is applied to them they jump and make a clunking sound. See if you can use a needle to grease them, and then you can rule them out. I have seen some answers concerning your differential being worn out. Well... they are correct, and if the truck has a lot of miles on it, the pinion will jump up on the teeth of the ring gear, and cause this very sound too. Have you checked to see if it has a midship bearing in the drive shaft? These have a two piece driveshaft, and the support bearing in the middle somtimes will get dry of grease and pop. The slip joint will also make a noise if it needs greased, and can't slide properly, but these are on long bed pick ups. I don't think there is anything in the transfer case that would do this. It would be making a God awful noise if the bearings were gone in it. I don't really know of anything in the clutch that would cause this noise either. I would vote for the drive shaft and/or the rear end being worn out. I've seen lots of old trucks with a worn out differential make that very noise, and it will only do it when you put the driveshaft under a load. This happens when the pinion gear wears two patterns on the ring gear, and it jumps from one to the other. It is a pretty common problem, but I would check the u-joints for grease, as I have seen them stick and pop loose thus making a clunking noise. Put the front end up against a tree, get under it while someone else makes it do it. Maybe you can see if the pinion jumps up like it's going into a different set of teeth. If it does, then you know what it is. I hope this helps. Good Luck!!!
2006-11-13 05:23:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd love to help you, but it would be nice to know what vehicle you are driving. When my boyfriends car made that "clunk" sound as you put it, it was his tie-rods. In my Jeep Wrangler, i had killed a coilover spring and it was hitting the inside of my wheel well. It really hard to trouble shoot a car over the internet.
2006-11-13 04:20:43 · answer #3 · answered by driftinglust 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ring & pinion gears in the rear differentials are most likely gone, check 1st to see if theres oil in it, the seals wear out & all the oil leaks out of them, then they wear down real fast, but it sounds like U have too much play it it.& they are ur proplem.
2006-11-13 04:23:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, ring and pinion.
You need a new 'chunk' to take care of that 'clunk'.
2006-11-13 04:49:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
chip gear. my coworker just got his spider gear replace in his 2000 durango.
2006-11-13 05:02:32 · answer #6 · answered by sleepydo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
crown and pinion, (most likely). good luck
ps...jack car up, and also, check how much play in axles, "before" they engage.
2006-11-13 04:43:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋