Greasing drive flanges.....

[WarWagon]

I have this clunk, very common I know, and I'm wondering if it's from the drive flanges not being greased or simply being worn down?

Clunks when I shift into gear from P to D or from D to R etc.

 

[abuck99]

I don't think greasing the splines on the flanges will do much for your clunk ; there are so many interrelated parts that contribute to the condition. IMO it's not a single source fix, you need to assess and address several driveline, control and suspension components.

You might however sparingly apply a thin coating (so it doesn't contaminate bearing grease) of moly paste to help minmize the splines from wearing further. I use a 60% moly paste for extreme pressure fittings like input shaft splines, and my axle flanges.

 

[LBridges]

I had the same symptoms. Jacked up the front end and found that when I rotated the driver's side tire I had slop before the axle caught. Replaced both the axle and flange - sound gone.

Not saying that's your problem, just what mine was with the same symptoms.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Unlikely that it's the flanges. The splines are fine enough that if there were any play you wouldn't have a big enough gap to create an audible thud like the CVs or driveshaft.

 

[2001LC]

It easy to check if hub flange to axle is your issue. Pull grease cap and look at teeth inbetween gap of C of snap ring, or remove snap ring to get a better view.

Loose wheel bearing and wide snap ring to hub flange gap set up a saw like action eating teeth.