2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front End Noise

[JDriscoll]

My 02 started making some noise in 4wd a couple days ago. The best way I can describe it is a loud clicking sound. The frequency of the clicking changes with the speed of the truck, ie the faster I'm going the faster the clicking. To me it sounds like it is comming from the front end rather than the transfer case. The noise seems more prominent when I let off the pedal and the transmission is slowing the truck down, but that could just be because the engine noise is lower. I replaced the u-joints on the front drive shaft last summer, and they all seem fine. Does anybody have any ideas about what to look at next? I would really like to avoid taking the truck to a shop if I can.



Thanks,

John

 

[98ramtough]

Kind of sounds like a axel ujoint to me? I have heard them start with a click and turn worse quick.

 

[JDriscoll]

One other thing I should mention is that the 4wd still works, it just clicks now. What is the best way to check the axel u-joints?

 

[98ramtough]

One other thing I should mention is that the 4wd still works, it just clicks now. What is the best way to check the axel u-joints?

Sorry, I misread. If it only clicks in 4x4 mode then I wouldn't think it would be the UJoint.

 

[kenny61]

One other thing I should mention is that the 4wd still works, it just clicks now. What is the best way to check the axel u-joints?

just twist em back and forth and see if there is any play. u can use a big screwdriver to hold the differential side and twist the hub with your hand... you do not need to apply a lot of pressure to check for play just what you can apply with your hand

 

[SRath]

Sorry, I misread. If it only clicks in 4x4 mode then I wouldn't think it would be the UJoint.

That's the only time the axle shaft u-joints are under any load and would be the most likely time for a failing u-joint to make noises.

 

[kenny61]

They will click in 2 wheel drive. The truck is so damn noisy the only time I can hear it is in the summer with the window down and a stone or concrete wall next to the truck to bounce the sound back inside...

 

[JDriscoll]

The u-joints seem fine, any other ideas? I really appreciate all the replies so far.

 

[mwilson]

Is the 4WD light staying on steady or is it blinking as you hear the clicking noise??



Also, back to the knuckle u-joints you may have to jack it up one side at a time and spin the tire by hand, try it at center, full left lock and then full right lock. A dry cross will show itself doing that either by feel or a noise as a full LH or RH turn puts the joint to its limits.



Mike.

 

[JDriscoll]

Thanks Mike. The light is on steady and there is no problem with the 4wd engaging/disenging. I'll try jacking up the front end tonight.

 

[JDriscoll]

Well I still can't find anything that jumps out at me. The noise is definately comming from the front end and not the transfer case. Looks like I'll probably have to take it to a shop. Thanks for all the help.



John

 

[KKlingbeil]

I would pull the front diff cover off to see how everything looks. If you have a lot of filings/pieces in the oil then you have big problems. It is something easy you can do yourself so you know you have a problem before you taking it somewhere. Good luck!

 

[98ramtough]

That's the only time the axle shaft u-joints are under any load and would be the most likely time for a failing u-joint to make noises.

I have had U joints go out on 3 different dodge diesel trucks, and all three started with a click when turning slow when not in 4x4 AND in 4x4. Just stating my experience. Maybe it could be the very beginning of the ujoint going and its under more load in 4x4... .

 

[SRath]

I'm not saying they won't make noise in 2wd when they are on their way out. I'm saying putting them under load (in 4wd) will definitely reveal that particular problem and probably much earlier.

If you wait until they make noise in 2wd, then don't be surprised when they grenade causing collateral damage when you do use 4wd. Just like you could drive blissfully ignorant of a cracked spring for a very long time if you never put a load on the truck. But once you do load it up, it will probably become much more apparent, maybe even in a disastrous way.