rear end noise

I have a 2000 jeep cherokee sport and I am getting a knocking noise from the rear end when coming to a stop. Wondering if anyone has had this problem or knows what it could be.

First, check your U-joints for any slop (tranny in neutral, E-brake set, twist and push up and down on driveshaft) Next check your U-bolts that bolt you springs to the axle, they can work loose over time.

First, check your U-joints for any slop (tranny in neutral, E-brake set, twist and push up and down on driveshaft) Next check your U-bolts that bolt you springs to the axle, they can work loose over time.

I checked the u-joints but there is no movement. I was wondering if it could be a wheel bearing or a the gears in the rear end?

I've got the same problem in my 97 sport. The noise occurs when i'm coming to a stop. When I release the brakes is when I get a loud clunk in the rear. I determined it to be the rear brakes not working by lifting the truck and applying the brakes. I have changed the master cylinder, proportioning valve, wheel cyls, shoes, repeatedly bled and adjusted the brakes, and still they do not work. I've been driving it like this for 70k miles.

Did you try replacing the brake hos ethat goes from the unibody to the axle? They sometimes go bad and when you press onthe brake they will balloon were the rubber is weak, resulting in little to no brakes. Also have you turned the drums, to get a clean surface for the shoes to bite on?

I checked the u-joints but there is no movement. I was wondering if it could be a wheel bearing or a the gears in the rear end?

I have a clunk that I can't get rid of, either. I've replaced the rear brakes. I've replaced the U joints. I've checked the rear end gears (they look and act brand new). NOTHING is working. Does anyone have anymore ideas? Everytime it makes this noise, it jars the whole vehicle as if someone were actually gently rear-ending me....

My XJ is still clunking in the rear when I brake. I just recently replaced the drums, and still no rear brakes. I can easily say that the entire brake system is new and I only have excellent front brakes and zero rear brakes.

I have had same problem in my 94 sport for two years. I've also checked the usual suspects and still knocking. Someone just mentioned to me yesterday that maybe the bushings on the rear shocks are out, or at least need new shocks.
Does this sound plausible?

Hope you guys get this to work

I don't think it could be the shocks because i've had the jeep rear up in the air, with the weight off of the wheels, eliminating the suspension, put it in drive and the wheels will not stop when I apply the brakes. To stop the wheels I have to pull the E-brake. I even tried stopping when I put the truck on a dyno and I still had no brakes. The noise feels exactly like when you have worn brake shoes, but I know everything back there is brand new. The truck stops with the e-brake and not the pedal, therefore you know the shoes are making contact with the drums and the pedal is not providing enough brake pressure. The lines are rigid lines, not rubber, from the master cylinder to the wheel cylinders, so you know that there is no rubber to fail by expanding and dissipating the brake pressure. The only thing remaining are the brake lines. They must possibly have some sort of blockage limiting the passage of the fluid. How much are brake lines and how difficult is it to replace all the rear lines?

Sounds like it could be the same thing wrong as with one of my jeeps. My husband thinks it might be the rear differential... I hope not...

Okay everybody, I had the same problem and it was fixed at the dealer. I took it to 2 other places first and neither had any idea what it was (they to suspected a suspension or brake problem). Im trying to find the receipt to see exactly what it reads but I remember the mechanic said he had to remove the drive shaft and clean it the spline. He new what it was right away and It was fixed same day for like $95.00. That was a year ago and its never happened since. I will try to find my invoice for more info, and I will report. Good Luck!

Okay everybody, I had the same problem and it was fixed at the dealer. I took it to 2 other places first and neither had any idea what it was (they to suspected a suspension or brake problem). I'm trying to find the receipt to see exactly what it reads but I remember the mechanic said he had to remove the drive shaft and clean it the spline. He new what it was right away and It was fixed same day for like $95.00. That was a year ago and its never happened since. I will try to find my invoice for more info, and I will report. Good Luck!
alay is 100% correct. When I owned a 89 Cherokee it started doing the exact same thing...I was lucky to find a veteran Jeep dealership mechanic and all it took was a short test drive and he knew exactly what the problem and cure was...clean and grease the driveshaft splines.
The veteran guys will know right away -- but most wont have a clue.
So if you want yours fixed, find a shop/mechanic that is familiar with this repair and your troubles will be over.