Drivetrain Clunk is Back!!
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Massachusetts
Drivetrain Clunk is Back!!
Two weeks ago I unbolted my rear driveshaft (1995 Bronco, 302/auto) and cleaned and greased the splines on the two-piece shaft. Before that it had clunked at start and stop, usually a two part clunk. After greasing the splines it was perfect for more than a week, no clunk, just smooth takeoff and stops. Now, it's back again. I used Valvoline synthetic grease that said it was good for all chassis lubrication and brakes. Should I have used something else? I want to get rid of this clunk for good, it makes my Bronco feel cheap when other than that it's a great truck. Anyone else find a permanent fix for this, or at least a much longer one than two weeks?
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
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Drivetrain Clunk is Back!!
Well.... u want a grease specifically rated for high pressure applications. I would think the grease you used is, but read the container.
The other solution is a new d/s, your splines are worn (assuming this is where your clunk is coming from, don't want you buying a new d/s needlessly).
The other solution is a new d/s, your splines are worn (assuming this is where your clunk is coming from, don't want you buying a new d/s needlessly).
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,019
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From: Bismarck, ND
Drivetrain Clunk is Back!!
You might get more longevity from a non-synthetic grease. I like synthetic oils, but I don't use synthetic grease because it melts too quickly in my opinion. I had a tube to completely melt and drip from my gun in a matter of several weeks, and after revisiting the parts store, I noticed that there were small puddles of the same thing happening beneath each container of synthetic grease sitting on the shelf. Maybe you have a different issue, but a conventional high-pressure grease may work better.....
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 375
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From: nc
Drivetrain Clunk is Back!!
i had a clunk from the driveline a couple of years ago. drop by the local ford dealer and ask what the deal was and the manager said no big deal. an hour later i was back on the road with no noise. that was two years ago. i went back and checked the service invoice for the repair statement. what follows is directly from the invoice. check for loose motion and noise in driveline. R&R driveshaft,disassemble and lube slip yoke with teflon grease. the teflon grease might be the key. hope this helps
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Massachusetts
Drivetrain Clunk is Back!!
The weird thing is the splines looked brand new. The male end has some blue, rubbery coating on them that wasn't worn at all and the female end looked perfect. To tell you the truth, I have no idea what is actually involved in making the clunk to begin with. It cleared up perfectly when I greased them two weeks ago, so it must be that, but they seem to fit together fine. If anyone has done this, I'd love to know how you fixed it!
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 79
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From: Vancouver USA
Drivetrain Clunk is Back!!
I have used the teflon grease for a number of years and it works fantastic. The grease does not break down nearly as fast. Not only that but it does not collect dirt which can cause premature wear. I have actually found that the grease will last at least 3 times longer that anything else I have used. It also appears that the parts that received the lubrication stayed in great condition because of the properties that break down any dirt that enters. Good luck.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Massachusetts
Drivetrain Clunk is Back!!
How many miles would you say the Teflon grease is lasting before your clunk comes back? I want something that'll last a good year or so of driving, but anything over two weeks would be an improvement!
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Senior User
Joined: May 2002
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From: nc
Drivetrain Clunk is Back!!
swenson i have driven more than two years and 10k with no noise with the teflon grease.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Massachusetts
Drivetrain Clunk is Back!!
Thanks, I'll have to get out this weekend and pickup some Teflon grease and redo this job. Maybe this time I'll remember to set the parking brake so when I undo the driveshaft I don't damn near run over myself!
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 375
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From: nc
Drivetrain Clunk is Back!!
i pulled a similar stunt one time with a 65 galaxy. i was wrking around under the hood cleaning around the steering box decided it would be easier if i would move the shafter arm wwwweellll it did finally stop across the street in the ditch. i jumped in the drivers window head first and applied the brake by hand. i thought i was going to have to take my friend to hospital from laughing his butt off at me. i laugh every time i think of that deal. good luck with the redo and be careful.
New User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 13
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From: Brooklyn
Drivetrain Clunk is Back!!
Hey:
A while back, I had an annoying clunk in my '88 Bronco's drivetrain. It turned out I had a bad center support bearing, which was replaced. The clunking disappeared....
Gary
A while back, I had an annoying clunk in my '88 Bronco's drivetrain. It turned out I had a bad center support bearing, which was replaced. The clunking disappeared....
Gary
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
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Drivetrain Clunk is Back!!
I used regular heavy duty grease, and it has lasted 2 1/2 years and almost 50k. I am getting the clunk back again, so I'll have to take care of it. You might also want to do the same to the front driveshaft, as mine also causes some binding. The driveshaft will compress/expand during stop and go.
I purchased a injector needle this weekend to make life easier. You connect it to the grease gun, insert it right through the boot, and grease away.
I purchased a injector needle this weekend to make life easier. You connect it to the grease gun, insert it right through the boot, and grease away.
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swenson
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
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Jun 26, 2002 01:42 PM
