Alright so I went wheeling the other day and then came back and now my jeep makes a loud "Clunk" whenever I go over bumbs. One of my friends in the back said it felt like it was right under their feet on the right side of the car. I am thinking it is my U-joints but I'm not sure which one. How do I test them without running myself over?

Oh and if I do need a new one, is there anything I can do to prolong it just a little while longer until I get more money and time?

 

Take all pressure off of u joint(jack it up), and shake it around a bit. Got Play? Replace.

It wont give out right away, you have time, just deal with it and dont drive like a soccer mom in a mini van.

 

Alright cool thanks a lot man

 

Broken exhaust hangar? I have broken each of three exhaust hangars at various times (at tailpipe, muffler outlet before axle, and the welded one above the trans cross-member) and each resulted in similar bump-thumps.

Check when pipes are cool - climb underneath (rust and debris will fall - so protect your eyes) and push/pull/wiggle really hard on exhaust system until you hear the thumping, then zero-in on it.

You can do the same test to the driveshaft but it's not a totally reliable method.

Lastly, check your rear suspension components/mounts/clamps with suspension loaded and again when unloaded. A nice BFH can help you in that department.

 

Yeah I'm hoping maybe some exhaust mount just broke from all the bumps of offroading.

 

I think I might be having the same issue. What should be shaked around - tire? up and down, turning? front to back?

 

Visual inspection as well as physical, check all U joints including the ones located on the drive shaft

 

Check ujoints and also check your wheel bearings up front which you will have to buy the whole hub assemble, i had a clunk in the front when i hit a bump and i replaced my wheel bearings and it went away try that,

 

Alright so I've let it go for a couple weeks now and it still clunks over bumps and now something sqeals when I put pressure on my brakes. It more low tone than brake squealers and I just changed the pads and shoes so I know it's not the brakes actually making the noise. I'm not so sure about u joints anymore and now I'm thinking suspension but right now I'm completely lost

 

Im not a suspension expert..but could it be possible a U-bolt lost one of its nuts and with the other one, allows it to function just move if you hit a bump? Maybe Im all wet with this. But have you done a good, full inspection like some have suggested?

literally jack up the rear end and start banging and forcing things around. With it on the ground, does it make sounds if you push down on the bumper in the rear really fast and let go? do you feel a bang in the driveshaft at al or is it just in the rear like a loose piece?

not enough troubleshooting and details. you have a few parts on your vehilce that move lol

who knows, maybe you blew a shock! lol

 

Well I actually just finished pushing it around. It's still jacked up and when I was moving it, it didn't appear to make any strange noises. I will go under and give it a more throrough check and tell you what I find out. How do I test bad shocks?

 

Have you looked at your sway bar links. Here in Michigan, the all knowing government dumps salt on the roads, which destroys everything. I've seen the sway bar links on XJ's get corroded, thin and then snap when you go wheeling. Just a thought.

 

pull your rear drums and check your brakes too.

 

i am having this same problem. it is pretty loud. it doesnt always happen but it does it more often when i have a passenger since it is on the passenger side. i have looked over it and havent found anything to be loose. i am also leaning towards a suspension issue.

 

could also be a broken bar pin on the top of the rear shocks.