Front drive shaft noise/banging

[Roy]

After listening again, really check u joints, all 5.

[Monk]

Any updates? Sorta curious...,

I also have little play on the bearing, apparently normal,...but my bearings is as old as the first car ever made, lol


As Roy mentioned, I've run across joints that's basic,y dust inside the caps and causes slopping around ,....

[WolfinJeepsClothing]

Thanks for all your ideas so far I still haven't found anything conclusive. I spoke with Roy today and tried a few things before it got to dark out. Brake rotors, calipers, and cv boots all seem to check out ok. Jacked up both sides in the front and spun the wheels and can't feel anything binding. I didn't see any loose engine or transfer case mounts. Back end looks good too.


I was thinking of taking a test drive with the doghouse off, since it may give me a clue as to what is making that noise.

[Monk]

Hopefully ya get figured, lol I never mind when I KNOW what's needed.... But when your not sure, I go crazy trying to figure out.....

[Roy]

Check the rear as well!! Same stuff.

[WolfinJeepsClothing]

Today I went out for a short drive to try to recreate the noise with the doghouse removed so I could see and hear more clearly. After a few blocks I got my noise back, definitely in the front and not the drive shaft.


When I went underneath the passenger side rotor and halfshaft can be forced back and forth laterally, but are tight up and down. I am guessing the differential need a rebuild, driver side seal is leaking and passenger side has play.


Question: is it normal for the rod section of the halfshaft to move 1 or 2 cm between the cv joints? In the direction of rotation and up and down it has minimal play. The other three don't seem to move nearly as much.. I guess what I'm asking is the halfshaft pooched too.


I seem to remember some guy selling a skid of differentials, now may be the time to find him again....

[Roy]

There is a nut holding the flange tight. Remove cv shaft, brake caliper and rotor.Tight the nut up..150lbs I think.Diff is not the issue...

When undoing the cv shaft hub bolt.. was it loose? another common issue...

make sure you support caliper as they are hard wired..no flex hoses. call if info needed

[Roy]

nut is #10

[WolfinJeepsClothing]

Thanks Roy, I will try that tomorrow. That would be great news if the diff isn't bad. Will still need to address the leaks at some point.

[Monk]

Also Nord-lock washers are a nice asset to avoid half shaft bolt coming out and banging...,

I'm also not thinking it's diff related (hoping Not for you) on a good note, I'm thinking the big #10 nut 1-1/8" is just a half shaft removal.....then while there you can feel if you front half shafts ok