I'm getting a CLUNK noise from what sounds like the rear brake area after I stop & then RELEASE the brake pedal. It's more obvious when down hill. Only when the pedal is released. Never when applying the pedal.

If I coast (in neutral) and apply the brakes & stop.........then release.....it doesn't happen. Only in drive. Never in reverse. Never in neutral.

I replaced the drums & shoes. Just in case I did something wrong I took it by a shop & the guy heard it so he machined the new drums a little & readjusted things & it was better for a couple of days. Now it's worse than before. Also now in reverse & forward as I come to a stop or slowly back up I get an "out of round" scraping sound. And the CLUNK is getting louder at every stop & release.

Today I applied the E brake while going about 40mph for about 3 seconds. Did that 5 times. Didn't help. I also drove at a pretty good pace in reverse & slammed the brakes hard to "self-adjust". 3 times. Didn't help.

Can't figure this out & what really has me puzzled is if it's the brakes.......how come it doesn't happen while stopping & releasing in neutral?

Anybody know or have thoughts? Thanks.

 

Check the rear driveshaft. Look at the u-joints and lube the slip yolk.

 

Thanks & sorry I should have mentioned.....already replaced U-joints so they are OK

 

Any "clunk" experts there?

 

Lube the slip yoke.

See where the drive shaft goes into the transmission? There's a rubber boot. Remove the clamps on that boot, and slide the boot out of the way.

Now you should see the splines of the slip yoke.

Take a handful of grease and lube it up really good.

Put the boot back, re-install the clamps.

Problem should go away almost immediately.

 

Thanks. I'll crawl back under there in the morning & check it out. If I still get the CLUNK.......I'll call you back.

 

I just went through a similar thing and it was the rear u-joint (missing a few needle bearings) but I also lubed the SY and changed the transfer case fluid. Clunk is all gone and it shifts so smoothly. Mine is a 5spd but same difference. You're looking at about four hours all told.

 

I swear it sounds & feels like the rear brakes but not getting the CLUNK while applying brakes in neutral tells the true story I suppose.

I replaced the u joints about 3 weeks ago so I'll dig deeper.

Thanks for the replies.

 

Check your wheel cylinders. You mentioned you only replaced the shoes and drums.

 

Oh I know, that's what i thought it was too... but I was wrong. It was most certainly the slip yoke.