Desert4wd - Looking for the Clunk!

The answer was defective rear lower rubber bushings. I went a little nuts trying to find this out. Nothing on the net but when I got an answer, everyone else who had the prob. did to. New bushings are in and the problem looks to be gone finally. I wasted a lot of time on these. RE Heavy Duty Long arm 5.5.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• jeep
• wrangler
• rubicon
• dana 44
• driveshaft
• drive shaft
• diff
• axle
• control arms

[desert4wd]

Post up a video of what's going on. It's always better, IMO, to have different eyes on something and to hear the various opinions. I'm no pro with autos (used to focus on motorcycles back in the day) My thoughts would be to inspect your steering knuckles/ u-joints. Sounds like they're on the way out. Those are just part of what to look at though. Could be suspension/steering or power train/axle/diff etc. Good luck.

[desert4wd]

What I remember most is that I could easily feel it and that was the primary key to finding it. I would feel it through the steering wheel, but mostly by having my hand on the shifter (manual) and it could be felt most shifts, stronger at first but shifting into 4th, 5th and 6th mellowed it out a bit. Putting the video camera on the shift knob showed a pretty harsh jar. Dropping the clutch when shifting gears just felt wrong with the jolt. The clutch should be smooth even when let out quickly.

[desert4wd]

Thanks for the comment. It took me a while to figure it out but once it was, it became quite obvious. One tip I need to give to everyone is: I was kind of blinded a bit because they were new parts and there was no reason for this to happen so I thought it was "my" error. Not to mention most of my experience is in motorcycles....lol. Anyhow, the point is, no error on my part such as insufficient torque on the bolts or incorrect installation, it was the manufacturers defect.

[JuanPapaNicolao]

is it normal for the rear diff to move up and down a half inch or so

[desert4wd]

No. Defective lower/rear bushings which were new at the time allowed for this play.

[desert4wd]

The camera is small, a Canon Powershot. I used masking tape to tape it to the lower control arm- lol. It's a solid surface and the tape is strong enough and temporary. Hope that helps.

[gohomeimigrants]

Good video. I should put my truck on here. Everyone would be like what the hell lol. When I put it in 4wd and go to turn sharp, it feels as if the wheels wiggle around, make a grinding sound and pop several times. Any clue in this mystery? Possibly wheel bearing? I can feel it happen on the front drivers side and feels like a lot of movement.

[uncleben03]

Hey I just picked up an 05 Unlimited 6-speed, I think this might be my problem so I'm gonna start there. Did this clunk sound more like a "thud" inside the Jeep when you shift or push on/off the accelerator? Thanks

[187hoser]

You can see the axle wrap when you speed or slow down. Not good for the U joint or the pinion.

Good thing you took the time to look for it.

[kleijnw]

@desert4wd

Can i use the video for education and if this is yes can you mail me yhe file?