Hey folks,

I'm thinking this may be a u-joint issue, but would appreciate some additional opinions before I start buying parts.

When I go in Reverse in my Jeep and then brake before shifting into Drive, I hear/feel a "clunk" that is coming from the front end somewhere. If I had to describe it I'd say that it sounds like something that rotates has too much play and when I brake it is slamming into its furthest range of motion. Same story for putting it in drive and accelerating forward. No clunk noise until I brake for the first time, then "clunk". But only once for each forward/reverse cycle. I also have this repetitive "squeak squeak squeak" that is audible at lower speeds and increases with speed (until I can no longer hear it over the wind noise). I believe it is also originating from the front end.

Again, I'm thinking U-joints are bad or are going bad? Is there a good way to verify this?

I appreciate your advice,

S/F,

-Matt

 

Driveshaft ujoint could be one. I think it is your control arms. I had a loose lower control arm and i had a clunk when backing and braking and when braking moving forward. When i tightened the bolt it was good to go but if you have stock stuff you might need new bushings.

 

Ah, that's interesting. I did just recently replace the very very tired original stock springs with some OME 1.75'' springs. I removed the LCAs to get the springs in and out. I'll check the bolts, but you may be right; the bushings looked pretty tired.

So as far as the driveshaft goes; I crawled under today and tried to rotate the rear driveshaft; there was no back and forth. When I tried to rotate the front driveshaft there did seem to be a bit more play than I expected. But would that be normal for a 4wd truck without the 4wd engaged?

Thanks for your insight!

-Matt

 

I had the same situation happen several years back and it happen to be the lower control arm on the drivers side

 

Mine happened because of my lift as well. My front shaft has a little play as well...and when i say little i mean like.. 1/8 in. rotation either way. So with that rotation see if any of the ujoints are moving. If they are missing bearings the **** will shift inside the cap. Pic for reference. This ujoint wasnt horrible (replaced anyway) but..you can see all the parts

 

Also possible the slip yoke needs grease.

 

Same thing happened to me after my lift...I retightened the control arms to the correct torque specs and the noise went away.