Problem with brakes??

[natmyers]

I have a 2001 JGC, I6, engine. I don't know how to explain this and I know nothing about cars. When I apply the brakes to a stop or release the brakes to take off, I hear a clunk, kind of like something sliding forward in the rear.

Does anyone know what this could be?

[natmyers]

anyone?

Natalie

[fredjacksonsan]

I have the same issue, sometimes it does it at stop lights, but not all the time.

Occasionally it will happen when I'm backing into a space, but again, not all the time.

Once or twice it has seemed like the parking brake was "stuck" and there was a loud clunk as it released.

Also, I had some brake work done (rotors turned) in the back and the noise went away for awhile.

I'm thinking it's the caliper moving around slightly, either during axle windup during braking (twisting slightly when on the brakes) or just normal sliding. Last time I had mine apart I didn't see anything that seemed wrong so maybe it's normal?

Maybe someone will comment that has experience with the fix.

[natmyers]

Yep, that's it. Not all the time, sometimes at stop lights, etc.

I would really like to know what it is.

[fredjacksonsan]

I've thought it might be a bad caliper that is sticking. Funny how both our Jeeps have it on the left side (or at least it sounds that way)

[Bob D.]

I think what you're both describing is a binding/releasing drive shaft.
Does it feel & sound like a thud from the rear just as you come to a stop or just as you start from a stop?
The cure is to remove the drive shaft and grease the splines on both ends.

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by Bob D.

I think what you're both describing is a binding/releasing drive shaft.
Does it feel & sound like a thud from the rear just as you come to a stop or just as you start from a stop?
The cure is to remove the drive shaft and grease the splines on both ends.

Sounds a lot like it, Bob. My rear driveshaft only has splines on the front end, but next time I have some time I'll take a look at that. I guess we won't be using enough grease to hurt the transmission any.

[natmyers]

yes, that's what it sounds like. I'll see my my husband can do that. It's really been bugging me especiallly not knowing what it was or if it was a big problem or not. Is that a hard thing to do? This removing the drive shaft?

Natalie

[spielightdude]

I also test drove a very used jeep that did that and among other things it turned out to be a broken tranni mount! So check those as well.

[msdz]

I know this is late but it might be U-joints. Can check these on level ground by trying to move driveshaft back and forth, if any excess play replace them and it is best to replace both the rear driveshafts U-joints at the same time. I would also check the front driveshaft if you have a Full-Time transfer case.

[natmyers]

thanks. Still haven't done anything about it.
Natalie