The OFFICIAL clunk/thunk driveshaft thread

[2001LC]

Going to grease my u-joint and slip yokes this weekend due to the clunking. I don't have access to a jack or jackstands so just going to do with the car on the ground. The question is since it is not lifted do I still pump the slip yokes until it extends a little or can I pump until grease comes out?

Just pump grease in, until first extend of slip yoke noted.

Vehicle should be on ground, in neutral stance. Which puts slip yokes, in neutral position.

 

[MattyO]

Since 65K (now at 260k) I chased clunks (etc.) by driveshaft greasing and pumping (for years) while doing all (I mean ALL) the bushings and mounts as well as the Toyota CV and flanges. No joy.

I Replaced both driveshafts (F&R) with toyota replacements a few weeks ago and all the issues went away.

Issues: clunks in D to R and vice versa as well as gritty drive line vibrations at 63mph+

That's what solved my issues.

I replaced the front driveshaft and it reduced the clunk a good bit. Still have it but it’s better. I swear mine is because I have too mush backlash at the diff. I can roll my vehicle several inches when in park. I am not sure how to fix that though.

 

[ed94r]

I replaced the front driveshaft and it reduced the clunk a good bit. Still have it but it’s better. I swear mine is because I have too mush backlash at the diff. I can roll my vehicle several inches when in park. I am not sure how to fix that though.

I had a ton of backlash as well, esp at the rear diff. Did not measure but I'd say at least 10* of +/- rotation at the flange with no movement at the tires with the rear in the air. I went forward with my project anyway b/c I already had the DS in hand. There must be a pretty tolerant/open drive-line lash spec, because the new DS's eliminated the clunking (among other things).

 

[mokrunka]

I'm debating whether I want to pursue the clunk as far as the driveshafts. I've done:

- hub flanges
- CVs
- greased drive shafts
- front diff bushings

I feel like it's gotta be diff gearing backlash, driveshafts, or maybe motor mounts? I've spent a lot of money so far so I'm kind of close to the eff it stage haha.

 

[Mike NXP]

I'm debating whether I want to pursue the clunk as far as the driveshafts. I've done:

- hub flanges
- CVs
- greased drive shafts
- front diff bushings

I feel like it's gotta be diff gearing backlash, driveshafts, or maybe motor mounts? I've spent a lot of money so far so I'm kind of close to the eff it stage haha.

How bad is it? Do the slip joints on your drive shaft take grease / do you see movement in the driveshaft when greasing it up / does it pass grease around the seal?

I feel your pain the clunk is really annoying. CV and hub flanges sorted me out, after I threw a bunch of other parts at it, like replacing front diff bushing that definetly weren't even bad in the first place....but this thread tells a long sad story of how many parts people throw at the clunk trying to fix it and nothing ever works.

I say send it, its not hurting anything...Try to go easy on the gas pedal when coasting ...roll a bit between P-R-N-D shift to try and soften that clunk as well...otherwise you may be destined to keep chasing problems / fixing parts

 

[MattyO]

I don’t have the R to D clunk at all, just driveline from coast to accel. It is really freaking annoying. It seems loudest most violent from front driveshaft, but they both do it. To validate I pulled the front driveshaft and used the CDL and it was gone. With the new driveshaft it is back but somewhat muted. I do notice it is worse around corners, so maybe a motor or trans mount compounding it. When the front driveshaft was out totally it was clear that was the main culprit. I am just not sure how to address since I now have a brand new OEM driveshaft. I have two 100 series (98 and 03), had the 98 for 7 years and it has never done this. The 2003 I bought has done it for years according to previous owner. Only difference I can tell is the amount of backlash in the axles.

 

[jdv100]

I haven’t gone through all 36 pages of this thread but I’d throw out there the front differential bushings. I had some clunks when shifting into drive, I would also hear it when coasting and then applying throttle. Replaced two of three and it has gone away. Just my two. Clunks will make you lose sleep. Good luck.

 

[Patassa]

How bad is it? Do the slip joints on your drive shaft take grease / do you see movement in the driveshaft when greasing it up / does it pass grease around the seal?

I feel your pain the clunk is really annoying. CV and hub flanges sorted me out, after I threw a bunch of other parts at it, like replacing front diff bushing that definetly weren't even bad in the first place....but this thread tells a long sad story of how many parts people throw at the clunk trying to fix it and nothing ever works.

I say send it, its not hurting anything...Try to go easy on the gas pedal when coasting ...roll a bit between P-R-N-D shift to try and soften that clunk as well...otherwise you may be destined to keep chasing problems / fixing parts

To be fair, some of threw every part imaginable at it and it did work. I haven't had clunk in years now.