Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Click Click !

[JTHUSKINS]

My 98 2500 4x4 gasser has developed a ground speed clicking noise in the front diff. while holding back in 4WD. I have raised the front and checked for loose bearings, joints, ect. Didn't find or hear anything of concern. This truck is my daily driver and work truck so I want to avoid a time consumeing teardown to find the problem during the winter weather that we are having here in the Apps. Has anyone out there ever had this problem and if so what

did you find to be the cause? Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Yea, the gasser is the daily driver. The Cummins goes into hibernation when the camper is winterized each year.

 

[LSchulz]

You sure it's the front differential? My dad's '06 developed a clicking sound under the truck that soon progressed into a horrendous snapping sound whenever he used 4WD.
It turns out the rear seal on the transfer case had been leaking ever so slowly, but enough to almost dry it out completely. Since there's no CAD on the newer trucks, everything on the transfer case spins all the time, and so spinning dry caused the chain to stretch to the point where it would skip under load. A new chain, and all is well.

 

[JTHUSKINS]

I just serviced the truck last week and checked all fluid levels. The truck is leak free so no problem with dry running gears. I suspected that the axle engagement could be worn and slipping out while holding back

 

[JMcCoy]

Keep a close eye on those unit bearings. I had a squeak that I couldn't track down. I just turned the radio up. That worked until I lost the wheel on the highway. NOT GOOD. I got lucky and pulled off the side just in time.



Mine made another similar noise when the CAD got water in it. Water can accumulate in the vacuum diaghram from condensation alone. cold weather can make it even worse. I would remove the CAD and dump it out. Make sure it has full range of motion. I replaced mine, but I think I could have dumped it out and put it back in.



Now this may sound stupid. Check your hub caps or center caps if applicable.



Good luck tracking down the problem.

 

[WilsonF]

Mine clicked too. It was a front axle universal.

Floyd

 

[JTHUSKINS]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I may get a little time at Christmas to check the CAD unit. Those unit [ wheel ] bearings are difficult to diagnose until they get near failure and the same with u joints. I have checked mine with a pry bar for loose motion and for signs of dryness but nothing shows at this time. Hope they will last till spring if they are the culprit. If not I will be taking a few days off work to freshen up the front end.

 

[PToombs]

My '97 has developed a clicking noise when in 4x4. I tracked it down to the front shaft CV joint. I think the ball and socket in the CV are worn enough that with the 3" lift, the center yoke hits the mounting flange when it rotates past the bottom. I can just see a slight mark where it touches the flange.

Good luck on finding it.

 

[JTHUSKINS]

Update. Let a lot of time and miles go by and the click turned into a clunk which I could then tell was coming from under the truck. Rebuilt the double cardan joint and the noise is gone. Thanks for all the advise.