Odd rearend noise

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Jun 14, 2005 | 12:12 PM

Fuggrur

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From: WI

Odd rearend noise

I just replaced a rear leaf spring that had been broken for several years (but was still driven around ) Well now when I drive I get a 'clanking/clunking/metal hitting metal/popping' noise. Its something with the drivetrain because as I speed up, the noise speeds up. I suspect a ujoint may be the problem. Is there any way to diagnose a bad ujoint? I didnt have this noise till I replaced the spring. It used to vibrate at about 25mph while the spring was broken but now it doesnt.

Jun 14, 2005 | 02:35 PM

low92flareside

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From: Penndel, PA

Climb under, grab the driveshaft with 2 hands and give it a jiggle/twist. It should barely move. Are the sounds more common at low speeds? Sounds more like something may be hanging on/over your driveshaft. Check to make sure there is nothing hanging in its travel path. (be sure to consider suspension travel in your search, things that don't hang low now may when you hit a bump and the suspension compresses.)

Jun 14, 2005 | 04:17 PM

Fuggrur

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From: WI

I went under there and tried to wiggle and turn it. There is no play at all. Lastnight I looked and looked for something hanging by the shaft and rear wheels. I see nothing.

The sound seems louder at low speeds but its there no matter how fast I go. Other that trying to move the driveshaft, is there any other way to see if a ujoin is bad?

Thanks

Jun 14, 2005 | 04:30 PM

Popa Tim

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From: Central NY

If you have hubcabs, take them off and see if theres something loose inside.
I had a lugnut come off on a van I drove years ago and drove me nuts.

Popa TIm

Jun 14, 2005 | 05:58 PM

Fuggrur

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Nope I got no hubcaps. This is without a doubt metal on metal whatever it is. It sounds like someone taking a hammer and hitting the frame.

Jun 14, 2005 | 07:32 PM

Popa Tim

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From: Central NY

Well, time to block it off real good, jack the rear up & put stands under it.Put the ol girl in drive and you should narrow down the culprit rather quickly if its that loud.

Jun 14, 2005 | 08:55 PM

924x2150

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From: Langhorne, PA

Does the noise change when you hit the brakes? If so, maybe it is something in the rear drums, broken pad, etc. Are the rear brkes working when the emergency/parking brake pedal is applied?

When my 1992 driveshaft bearings were history, i.e. rusted and mostly disintegrated, the ujoints would squeak rythmically when backing up.