Quick question, how can you tell if the u-joints are bad?

Within the last couple of days I noticed a sort of clanking sound coming from around the front of the car whenever I back up or come to a stop. I don't hear any noises whatsoever while driving. From my understanding if the u joints are shot, I'd be hearing a humming sound while driving.


Thanks.

-96' Jeep Cherokee Country

 

If its on your driveshaft then it will probably start shaking when you are decelerating or accelerating. It will feel like it s vibrating badly once they are gone. To check the axle ujoints. Put your parking brake on and chock your tires. Stick the trans in Neutral. Now get underneath your jeep and try to spin your driveshafts. If there is play in the u-joints you will know. If there is play in the joint replace it as it is bad.

If its your front axle u-joints then it most likely would make a clicking sound when turning at low speeds. (kinda a low popping sound) If they are really bad they can make a clunking sound. To check the axle u-joints I usually remove the hubs and check it throughly.

Hope this helps and good luck with the fix.

 

you can usually feel any play by grabbing the shaft on each side of the u-joint and twist oppositely. vehicle has to be in neutral with no drive line bind, so be sure to chock the wheels.

 

Okay, I crawled under it today and checked the front driveshaft and wiggled it around with my hand and it's loose. I checked the rear driveline just for clarification that it should be tight, and sure enough that one is solid.

Is this confirmation?