Hi, I have an unlocked 97 LC with 215k on the clock. Everything is stock with the exception of the OME Medium lift and 285 tires. It drives beautifully most of the time. There are 2 issues that I'm feeling/hearing that I'm concerned with and unable to find any hits on the forums. They may not be related.
First is a noise. When I accelerate normally from an intersection, like coming off my road onto a main road, I have the wheels turned (as you would expect) but I hear a noise like the ratcheting you hear when you're on a roller coaster and you start up the hill. Kind of a clanging/ratcheting sound. Not as loud as a roller coaster, but same kind of sound. It goes away as soon as the wheel straighten up. I only really hear it with the windows down. I also only hear it when I accelerate. If I ease out slowly, there is no noise. It's coming from the front and I hear the noise regardless of which direction I'm turning.
The second is a feeling; like a hesitation when I take off from a stop. I can only describe it like there is play in driveline somewhere. It doesn't make any noise at all - it's just a feeling, like something needs to engage when I take off. A caveat is that it only happens if I take of normally by applying gas. If I take off slowly, like in traffic where I just kind of coast to the next light, I don't feel it. But as soon as I give if some gas, the "play" is there. I can't tell if it is coming from the front or rear.
Trying to narrow this down, i've jacked up the front axle and checked the wheels. They turn as they should and I do not hear any noises. If I turn a wheel forwards, the other turns backwards as it should and it's quiet as a mouse. There does not seem to be excessive play in the front driveline. All the u-joints are solid and greased. Same for the rear. I've greased the slip joints and they seem to be solid as well.
I've tried checking the motor mounts and there doesn't seem to be much play in them. The transfer case stick doesn't move more than 1/2 - 3/4 of an inch during acceleration.
Sorry for the long post. Just trying to give as much info as possible.
I'm at a loss. Any ideas?
Thanks.
First is a noise. When I accelerate normally from an intersection, like coming off my road onto a main road, I have the wheels turned (as you would expect) but I hear a noise like the ratcheting you hear when you're on a roller coaster and you start up the hill. Kind of a clanging/ratcheting sound. Not as loud as a roller coaster, but same kind of sound. It goes away as soon as the wheel straighten up. I only really hear it with the windows down. I also only hear it when I accelerate. If I ease out slowly, there is no noise. It's coming from the front and I hear the noise regardless of which direction I'm turning.
The second is a feeling; like a hesitation when I take off from a stop. I can only describe it like there is play in driveline somewhere. It doesn't make any noise at all - it's just a feeling, like something needs to engage when I take off. A caveat is that it only happens if I take of normally by applying gas. If I take off slowly, like in traffic where I just kind of coast to the next light, I don't feel it. But as soon as I give if some gas, the "play" is there. I can't tell if it is coming from the front or rear.
Trying to narrow this down, i've jacked up the front axle and checked the wheels. They turn as they should and I do not hear any noises. If I turn a wheel forwards, the other turns backwards as it should and it's quiet as a mouse. There does not seem to be excessive play in the front driveline. All the u-joints are solid and greased. Same for the rear. I've greased the slip joints and they seem to be solid as well.
I've tried checking the motor mounts and there doesn't seem to be much play in them. The transfer case stick doesn't move more than 1/2 - 3/4 of an inch during acceleration.
Sorry for the long post. Just trying to give as much info as possible.
I'm at a loss. Any ideas?
Thanks.
