Clunk pulling out or stopping

[Mike13]

Hi, I have a 1995 full size Bronco with the 5.8 engine and auto trans. Sometimes when I pull out, I hear and feel a CLUNK. I also notice this noise sometimes when I come to a stop. I have checked the universal joints and found them to be OK. Also, when driving along the highway, I hit the accelerator on and off, thinking that if it was a universal joint, I could duplicate the noise. Not so. I do not get this CLUNK everytime, and sometimes I may pull out and go about ten feet or more before I hear this noise. Any suggestions ? Thanks in advance, Mike

[96greenbronco]

The most likely cause is the drive axle slip joint. When you start and stop the suspension moves which in turn moves the slip joint. It can get 'stuck' and then break free casing the clunk. Remove the drive shaft and cut off the metal straps holding the rubber boot in place--only one side, the smaller one--and pull it apart. Then pump some grease, 5-6 pumps from a gun, into the hole and then rub some on the splined shaft. Re-insert, it will take some pushing but dont hammer or pound, it may 'fart' a little from air escaping. You can use a plastic zip tie to hold the boot back in place, but a strap clamp like the one that was cut off is best. Dont use a hose clamp, it has enough weight to throw it out of balance.

I had a similar prob and started to do the u-joints. I didnt want to hammer on the shaft so I took the shaft, plus the 3 u-joints and the double carding bearing that I had bought at NAPA $60.00, to an axle shop. I watched him tear it down and install the new parts for $40.00. What he did in 20 minutes would have taken me hours plus alot of hammer swings and colorful metophores. The u-joints were wearing but not worn out enough to causing any problems, but my new ones have zirks that can be lubed.

Be sure to match mark the shaft, transfer case, and rear-end so you get it back exactly in the position that it was when you pulled it out.

Also, I just put it in 4x4 and drove to the shop with the rear axle laying in the back!

Good luck, Rich

[Mike13]

Thanks 96, will do as you suggested. Mike

[96greenbronco]

I just saw another thread on this forum that addresses this issue, also. Might want to check it out. I think it was on the 3rd page....

Rich