2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Clicking in the front end

[bigredcummins]

Here is a little bit different problem, from what I have been reading about in other threads. I have been hearing a "clicking" noise in the front end, primarily when the wheels are turned to the left or right. The sound is much like that of rocks or 16 penny nails in the tires, but trust me, no rocks or nails .



If I had to guess, I would first think it was a bearing or u-joint problem. I have also considered the brakes as the culprit.



Anyone else experienced this?

 

[Cummins360]

Sounds like u-joints.

 

[MKline]

Check the Axle u-joints for the 4 wheel drive. That sounds exactly like a 96 ram 1/2 ton that I used to own. Repaced the u-joints and the sounds went away.

 

[San Felipe Bob]

U-joints in front axle

Also referred to as CV joints.

Not to be confussed with the U-joints on the driveshaft.

The U-joints you need to check are the ones behind each wheel on the front axle.

They may not show any signs of wear.

They might not have any noticable play in them.

Basically if you have more than 60k miles they are probably do for replacement.

The stock U-joints wil start to make lots of noise when the grease is gone.

I get my parts from Quad 4x4 at http://www.quad4x4.com

If you DIY be very carefull of the axle seals.

SFB

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Also referred to as CV joints.

Not to be confussed with the U-joints on the driveshaft.

Our trucks don't have CV joints

 

[bigredcummins]

Thanks for the reply's .

 

[Nate]

I have that same problem on my truck. Sounds like there's rocks in the tires.



It does it when driving straight, but it's worse when turning. Seems to come from all 4 tires, though it's hard to tell.



I spun the tires by hand and no noise. The unit bearings are good, and so are the u joints.

 

[bigredcummins]

I can't tell you how many times I looked for rocks before figuring out that it was something internal.



I am going to call my mechanic and see how he diagnosis the problem and will post the results (and hopefully inexpensive cure ).

 

[CStansbury]

Yep, sounds like axle u-joints bigredcummins. I had one doing the same thing a while back and that sucker was totally dry inside. Now the other side is doing the same thing. The first one was a royal pain to do because at 100k the unit-bearings were stuck nicely in the knuckle and the u-joint caps were seized in the axle yokes!! Use a press for sure. Of course I knicked my axle seal so now the new side drips all the time. When I do the u-joint on the other side I am going to do the axle seals on both sides with the Quad4x4 kit. Good luck!

 

[bigredcummins]

..... When I do the u-joint on the other side I am going to do the axle seals on both sides with the Quad4x4 kit. Good luck!

It has probably been posted on here before, but where can you get your Quad 4x4 kit from?



Thank you very much for the advise. TDR is undoubtedly the best thing to come along since sliced bread . No matter what the problem, you can always find someone else who has experienced the same problem, and has recommendations from past experiences on the fixes.

 

[San Felipe Bob]

WWW.Quad4x4.com

They advertise here on the TDR as well.



SFB

 

[bigredcummins]

Well, a little better than I expected. Turns out the u-joints were o. k.



Next step was to replace the brakes, as they were down to practically nothing and a pleasant surprise followed... no more clicking :-laf .



Thanks to all for their help.

 

[Nate]

The front brakes?



I'll have to take a look at mine.

 

[Matthug]

Mine just developed the click just a couple days ago. I replaced the right front U-joint already, probably needs the left now. I'll be sure to check the brakes first.

When I replaced the right front it had gotten so bad the cap actually broke and the inner part of the U joint was just slapping around in there the needles all fell out!!! I had only had the truck for 2 weeks when this happened. You know the sad part is the U joint was greaseable, so if someone had greased it like a year ago it probably wouldn't have happened. I checked the left side though, not greaseable so it's probably due for replacement. After all I have 250K on the truck, the left side looks original believe it or not... . right side had definitely been replaced before and they probably replaced the upper ball joint at the same time it looks like.

 

[Nate]

When you guys had bad joints, where they still tight?



Mine are tight, but I want to think that they are bad... buy I don't want to replace them if not needed. I'm guessing they are about $50-60 a piece? I know the ones for my Jeep were about $35 each... good Spicer ones.

 

[Matthug]

They can be dry inside and on the verge of exploading but still tight. If you have over 150K miles I wouldn't hesitate to change them. I paid $42 I think for a spicer U joint at advance auto, a greasable one!