New Clanking Noise (Video)? (2 Viewers)

[matt80sc]

Hello All,

I have a new Clanking? noise coming from what seems to be the mid/rear of the drivetrain. It is only noticeable upon decelerating. I didn't get the best angle but not sure the visual is even needed.

Any ideas?...and Thank you in advance for any advice.

UPDATE
@BILT4ME had it pegged. The u joints are not looking good. @77wagon swung by with the grease gun and we shut them up with a few pumps along with the Dshaft for now. Putting new U's on order tonight....adding it to the growing list.

 

[matt80sc]

Also...

Here is a view of the rear U joint. Not looking great. Seems to be leaking or leaked, not sure when.

 

[Malleus]

I don't know what the problem is, but I do know that's one of the best posts I've seen! How'd you get the video? (Please tell me one of your kids isn't hanging over the side with your phone; I hate to think you'd sacrifice the phone that way)

 

[matt80sc]

I don't know what the problem is, but I do know that's one of the best posts I've seen! How'd you get the video? (Please tell me one of your kids isn't hanging over the side with your phone; I hate to think you'd sacrifice the phone that way)

LOL, yeah well it is all in the name of education right?

Actually I used a modified $1 selfie stick and and a C-clamp with my old HTC phone clamped to the running boards. Not sure I'd hit the highway with it but 25mph seemed just fine.

 

[Malleus]

Gotta file that one away. Keep us posted if you find a resolution.

 

[matt80sc]

Gotta file that one away. Keep us posted if you find a resolution.

Will do. Planning on taking more video at different locations to better isolate where its coming from. I'm likely to make more "clanking" noises if I try to wrench my way to the bottom of it. I was palnning on using a BT headset but like the visual of the video.

 

[Marine7]

Sure seems like this would be an easy fix, then again they all seem like they should be easy! None of the bolts have backed out a tiny bit.... causing it to hit on your driveshaft? Something is being hit in time with tires spinning, cause when you slowed, it slowed.... has to be on your driveshaft, near the diff. Or on one of your wheels!.... something is hitting on one of the 3. Left tire/right tire/driveshaft&diff...... good luck! You don't have a belt busted on a tire smacking the wheel well..... right?! Lol

 

[matt80sc]

Sure seems like this would be an easy fix, then again they all seem like they should be easy! None of the bolts have backed out a tiny bit.... causing it to hit on your driveshaft? Something is being hit in time with tires spinning, cause when you slowed, it slowed.... has to be on your driveshaft, near the diff. Or on one of your wheels!.... something is hitting on one of the 3. Left tire/right tire/driveshaft&diff...... good luck! You don't have a belt busted on a tire smacking the wheel well..... right?! Lol

The wheels are my only know entity! I did look at he bolts but didn't see anything unusual. I will see if I can get a closer shot of the rear U joint. I'm guessing its internal, probably lack of PM back there. Noises are tricky, cant pin point when driving and can't reproduce standing still.

When I do my knuckles next weekend (pending weather) I'll check the diff oil and grease it all up. Hope it doesn't explode into a million tiny pieces before then. Keep you guys posted.

 

[Malleus]

Just a thought, and due to many legal constraints, I certainly cannot recommend this, but I've seen a poor mans' dyno made of jackstands. Might point to suspension or other sources, which wouldn't be active while the drivetrain was active but the truck wasn't moving. Of course, I don't know...

 

[matt80sc]

Just a thought, and due to many legal constraints, I certainly cannot recommend this, but I've seen a poor mans' dyno made of jackstands. Might point to suspension or other sources, which wouldn't be active while the drivetrain was active but the truck wasn't moving. Of course, I don't know...

I don't know much about mechanics but I'm sure that reproducing a noise while under actual load is a constant problem even for a master. I think a Dyno is too "optimum" for most odd creaks and bumps. This sound, however, seems like your illegal and incredibly dangerous method may just work! Not sure I have the balls (ie death wish) for it though given my setup.

 

[ppc]

Also...

Here is a view of the rear U joint. Not looking great. Seems to be leaking or leaked, not sure when.

That's a leaking pinion seal not U joints. Have you check the oil level in the rear diff?

 

[matt80sc]

That's a leaking pinion seal not U joints. Have you check the oil level in the rear diff?

@ppc do the pinion seals just go or is this usually a symptom of a blocked breather...or ...?

I haven't checked the oil yet. It's on my list for the morning. Not sure how long it's been like that. Can't honestly remember when it was checked. Crap.

 

[matt80sc]

That's a leaking pinion seal not U joints. Have you check the oil level in the rear diff?

Checked the diff oil and seemed full and clear.

 

[matt80sc]

Well after another drive and some wiggling of parts, I'm leaning on the drive shaft. If I twist it back and forth it has a similar clanking sound. Not sure how much play they normally have but I'll dig in here and update the post with my findings.

 

[BILT4ME]

Totally sounds like worn out u-joints on the DS.

Grease them and do the same video again. It should almost eliminate the noise or make it quieter. If so, you pinpointed it. Also, don;t forget to grease the slip yoke. Just don;t get carried away. Only put 3-4 pumps into that. Otherwise, you MAY end up putting too much pressure on the rear bearing of the T-Case or blow out the sealing end on the yoke. Push on the little ball on the zerk AFTER you grease it to relieve the pressure.

 

[matt80sc]

Totally sounds like worn out u-joints on the DS.

Grease them and do the same video again. It should almost eliminate the noise or make it quieter. If so, you pinpointed it. Also, don;t forget to grease the slip yoke. Just don;t get carried away. Only put 3-4 pumps into that. Otherwise, you MAY end up putting too much pressure on the rear bearing of the T-Case or blow out the sealing end on the yoke. Push on the little ball on the zerk AFTER you grease it to relieve the pressure.

Thanks @BILT4ME . I'll give it a go and see if she quiets down.