99 Jeep; clunk felt and herd under initial load from stop to start.

[pepsifat]

I have a 1999 Jeep Cherokee sport 4x4, and I can feel a clunk through the gas peddle when I first accelerate from a stop. If I accelerate slow, at first, than I will not feel or hear the problem. I thought it had something to do with the drive shaft, so I slid under my jeep to see how much play their was. I was able turn my rear drive shaft back and forth a considerable amount.

I am thinking that the excessive play in my drive shaft from my transfer case to the rear axle is making that noise. But what is causing the problem? A U-joint, the transfer case, something in the rear axle?
And how much would something like this cost to fix at a shop?

I have also noticed a considerable amount of play from the transfer case to my front axle, but I never had any problems with my 4x4.

Thanks.

[bmwilson]

Short of you having lockers, I would hope it is one or more u-joints, next to that hope that your trany, transfer, engine and differential oils are free of metal filings.

[pepsifat]

I changed my transmission oil/ filter, looked good
I changed my transfer case fluids, looked good
I changed my rear axle fluid, looked good
And I changed my front axle fluids but I found that the gear oil was a silvery color L/ the previous owner lived in the mountains where he or she used it allot and probably never changed it out, I bought it salvaged
I DID A 60 thousand mile check up when I got it
I need some advice with the price range and what expect, so that I know my local show isn’t bullshiting me.

[JUSTJEEPS]

There is a bulletin for this noise for rear axle flange play.

[cntrygirl]

Originally Posted by JUSTJEEPS

There is a bulletin for this noise for rear axle flange play.

Where is the Bulletin cause I am having a similiar clunk in my 88. I am going to change out the Ujoints this weekend and tighten the Yoke and hopefully that will do it, BUT....... one never knows.

CountryGirl

[cmacartney]

U-Joints. I had the same problem in my 98 cherokee. I actually felt it more in the rear of the car instead of the gas pedal, but I had the U joints replaces and now theres no clunk.

[xj31]

i think the bulletin justjeeps is referring to is 05-05-00.its about axle shafts and it is for 97-99 xjs with an 8 1/4 axle.but its for a clunk when braking

[pepsifat]

Yeah, it's comming from the back of the car, but how much do you think something like that should cost me?

[cmacartney]

to tell you the truth, I cant tell ya. I actually got the work done for free from my mechanic because we were trying to figure out the problem and he replaced the U-joints without telling me, so he didnt charge me for them. It was great for me! But im guessing it would cost a few hundred. Parts and labor... prob like $300-500ish.... Just call around, or go online and look for the Ujoints on the Mopar website and see how much the parts go for, and then figure $95 bucks an hour for labor. Good luck!

[ops5]

I don't think it would run quite that high, probably a little lower

[pepsifat]

Thanks for the help,
Why would a u-joint or u-joints cause my car to do that.

[cntrygirl]

PEPSIFAT: When your UJoints are shot they are not tight anymore causing them to have play therefore making a clunking noise. (think about when a bolt is not tight - you have play in whatever you are tightening up when it's not tight you have noise when you move it back and forth, up and down etc.)


I just changed out my ujoints but turned out that wasn't my issue - (good to change them anyways they needed it) Turns out my trani mount is shot causing my exhaust pipe to hit the cross member when i take off fast and also when i take off slow it just shifts causing a clunk sound i can feel under me in the drivers seat - so with that saidwe will replace it when we do the lift (in about 1 month - YEAH!!) , checked the yoke and that was tight and bearings seem fine as well.

I am going to be posting pics soon at washington4x4.com - (just got hosting) will be posting pics of the progress as well as issues we come across.

Anyways, hope this helps someone Good Luck Pepsifat

CountryGirl

[gtmud]

Usually when your U-joints begin to go you'll get a bad vibration a certian speeds. I would check your engine,and tranny mounts. To check your engine mounts, open your hood, put the jeep in gear(D), foot firmly on the brake and gently accelerate. if you have a broken mount you'll literally see the engine lift up, put the tranny in (R) and repeat to check the other side. Do this if a visual check is iffy. As the tranny goes, usually you can see the mount well enough.

[Jay83LeSabre]

List of things I'd check...

Driveshaft u-joints
Front axle shaft u-joints
Motor mounts
Tranny mount

One note about u-joints, if you are ever in need of replacing them use Spicers. Those cheap "Brute force" or regular auto parts store brands aren't the greatest. Plus the Spicers are usually only a couple dollars more. In my opinion, the extra $5 is worth it. I've seen and broken a good share of "mart mart" brand joints.