Clunk when braking in reverse & again after going to drive (and braking)
#1
Seasoned Member
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Clunk when braking in reverse & again after going to drive (and braking)
Hey folks,
I'm thinking this may be a u-joint issue, but would appreciate some additional opinions before I start buying parts.
When I go in Reverse in my Jeep and then brake before shifting into Drive, I hear/feel a "clunk" that is coming from the front end somewhere. If I had to describe it I'd say that it sounds like something that rotates has too much play and when I brake it is slamming into its furthest range of motion. Same story for putting it in drive and accelerating forward. No clunk noise until I brake for the first time, then "clunk". But only once for each forward/reverse cycle. I also have this repetitive "squeak squeak squeak" that is audible at lower speeds and increases with speed (until I can no longer hear it over the wind noise). I believe it is also originating from the front end.
Again, I'm thinking U-joints are bad or are going bad? Is there a good way to verify this?
I appreciate your advice,
S/F,
-Matt
I'm thinking this may be a u-joint issue, but would appreciate some additional opinions before I start buying parts.
When I go in Reverse in my Jeep and then brake before shifting into Drive, I hear/feel a "clunk" that is coming from the front end somewhere. If I had to describe it I'd say that it sounds like something that rotates has too much play and when I brake it is slamming into its furthest range of motion. Same story for putting it in drive and accelerating forward. No clunk noise until I brake for the first time, then "clunk". But only once for each forward/reverse cycle. I also have this repetitive "squeak squeak squeak" that is audible at lower speeds and increases with speed (until I can no longer hear it over the wind noise). I believe it is also originating from the front end.
Again, I'm thinking U-joints are bad or are going bad? Is there a good way to verify this?
I appreciate your advice,
S/F,
-Matt
#2
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Join Date: Oct 2013
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L
Driveshaft ujoint could be one. I think it is your control arms. I had a loose lower control arm and i had a clunk when backing and braking and when braking moving forward. When i tightened the bolt it was good to go but if you have stock stuff you might need new bushings.
#3
Seasoned Member
Thread Starter
Driveshaft ujoint could be one. I think it is your control arms. I had a loose lower control arm and i had a clunk when backing and braking and when braking moving forward. When i tightened the bolt it was good to go but if you have stock stuff you might need new bushings.
So as far as the driveshaft goes; I crawled under today and tried to rotate the rear driveshaft; there was no back and forth. When I tried to rotate the front driveshaft there did seem to be a bit more play than I expected. But would that be normal for a 4wd truck without the 4wd engaged?
Thanks for your insight!
-Matt
#5
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L
Mine happened because of my lift as well. My front shaft has a little play as well...and when i say little i mean like.. 1/8 in. rotation either way. So with that rotation see if any of the ujoints are moving. If they are missing bearings the **** will shift inside the cap. Pic for reference. This ujoint wasnt horrible (replaced anyway) but..you can see all the parts
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