Thumping Noise From Left Rear?

[ILoveMyJeep9]

I have a 1996 Jeep Cherokee, with 180k miles on it, 4.0 Fuel Injected. I have had it for about 2 months now, and recently I have noticed a loud thumping or bumping noise from the Left Rear of the vehicle. It only happens when I let off the gas. I have heard many different things on what it might be. Some people think it could be the UV Joints, or wheel bearings, or the Axle, Driveshaft, Shocks, and a bunch of other stuff. If anyone knows what this problem is, help would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!!

Sincerely,
ILoveMyJeep9

[MagicRat]

If this was a U-joint, differential or driveshaft issue, the noise would come from the center of the rear, not one side.

IMO get under there and start looking around. Look for loose bolts especially on the axle U-bolts, spring hangers and hardware, swaybar, brakes etc.

I suspect that when you are letting off the gas, the axle housing is pivoting or moving a bit and allowing the tire, rim, or drum to come into contact with something solid.

The last time this happened to me it was slightly loose U-bolts that hold the axle to the spring, which allowed one ot those tiny lead balance weights on the rim to hit the end of the sway bar.
That was a tough one to find.

The time before that, it was a loose shock.

BTW I would say this is a serious safety issue so get this inspected without delay.

[Ray H]

Originally Posted by ILoveMyJeep9

I have a 1996 Jeep Cherokee, with 180k miles on it, 4.0 Fuel Injected. I have had it for about 2 months now, and recently I have noticed a loud thumping or bumping noise from the Left Rear of the vehicle. It only happens when I let off the gas. I have heard many different things on what it might be. Some people think it could be the UV Joints, or wheel bearings, or the Axle, Driveshaft, Shocks, and a bunch of other stuff. If anyone knows what this problem is, help would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!!

Sincerely,
ILoveMyJeep9

Crawl under to make sure that all fasteners are tight. Not knowing axactly what it sounds like, its hard to guess but if it definately sounds like its coming from the left side and not the rear in general, I would say to rotate your tires and see if the noise follows the tire. Im thinking tire balance or out of round here. If it turns out to be coming from the rear in general, I would say u-joints.
The 8.25 Chrysler rear is often known to have a harmonic drone under different conditions. Its not really a thump or bump though.