Very bad noise when in 4WD

Driftless Tad · **Joined:** Wed Jun 05, 2013 12:54 pm **Posts:** 22

When I put our 05 into 4WD there is a "clunking" sound that, to me, sounds like it is coming from the left front wheel. To better describe it... it is like if you had manually locking hubs and didn't get the hub engaged properly.

The searches I have done have left me confused. Most point to transfer case but it really sounds like it is on one side and not the center.

It is a CRD, but I didn't think that would make a difference.

Thoughts?

tommudd · **Posted:** Sat Apr 09, 2016 2:51 pm

First thing check the rear boot on the rear CV ( front driveshaft)
Boot deteriorates, dirt , crap get into the CV and cause it to go bad
Easy fix, plus parts are 50-60 bucks from driveshaftparts.com
If not that then could be a bad CV on the left side
Does it do it all of the time, or certain times ?

Driftless Tad · **Joined:** Wed Jun 05, 2013 12:54 pm **Posts:** 22

When I first noticed it I could shift out of 4WD, roll a bit, and back in and it seemed to go away. Not always successful and sometimes I would have to repeat it several times. Maybe that was just wishful thinking.

I was doing a transmission filter change today and did the obligatory test drive after. I thought I would see if that noise was still there and it was and I couldn't make it go away by multiple in and outs.

scout · **Posted:** Sun Apr 10, 2016 9:39 am

Does it feel like it's slipping on that side? It kind of sounds like what happend to mine. For me it was the intermediate shaft. The c clip broke and disconnected from the cv axle. Mine sounded like banging and popping while in 4 wheel drive and a slight howel/grinding in two wheel.

Driftless Tad · **Joined:** Wed Jun 05, 2013 12:54 pm **Posts:** 22

Think I figured it out with some more searching. The rear CV joint is, well, pretty loose and toasty. I am going to replace both the front and rear and see how that works.

We are doing a pretty rigorous overland trip in New Mexico in June so I don't mind replacing them anyway.

I maybe back with more questions! Stay tuned.

JTLibertyUK · **Posted:** Thu Apr 14, 2016 8:13 am

I have a similar issue on my 04 CRD: I've got a constant metallic 'rattle' in 2WD (which is most noticeable over about 30mph) and a noisy rumble n' clunk in 4WD.

I've pretty much narrowed it down to the front axle pinion bearings (I think). It seems that under load (4WD) it rumbles, which seems to be characteristic of a bearing issue, and in 'coast' (2WD) it just rattles n' tinkles (quite loudly though!).

I'm looking into getting the bearings replaced (or attempting it myself..!), although I understand it's not a straight DANA 30 front axle on the CRD, plus there's a load of bracing in the way, so working on it would be interesting!

All CV boots and clips seem intact on mine and no sign of anything being 'loose' from the outside.
Would be grateful for any thoughts & opinions on the matter!

Cheers

lfhoward · **Posted:** Thu Apr 14, 2016 8:18 am

Check for this. The noises you describe are classic symptoms. Some describe it as chains rattling.
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=56917

JTLibertyUK · **Posted:** Thu Apr 14, 2016 8:50 am

lfhoward wrote:

Check for this. The noises you describe are classic symptoms. Some describe it as chains rattling.
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=56917

Fantastic! That's exactly like the noise - rattling chains! I've wiggled the front shaft with the wheel jacked off the ground and it felt and sounded like the noise was coming from the head area (I just assumed pinion bearings).

I must admit, I just looked at the boot and saw it was OK, so figured everything underneath must be too.

I'll order a head and replace it all and report back.

Thanks again! :BANANA:

JTLibertyUK · **Posted:** Mon Apr 25, 2016 7:05 am

Just a little update...

Got under the truck at the weekend and, after some puffing and panting, managed to get the front driveshaft off.
Turns out the front (diff) joint wasn't too bad and the boot was intact with plenty of grease inside. The back (transfer case) joint, however, was drier than a dry thing on National Dry Day. The boot was perished, all the grease had long since left and the internal bearing housing had actually broken (which I assume was creating most of the noise).

Anyhoo, the new front bearing kit has arrived and I've now ordered a new one for the back, so once that all arrives I'll get it on and get off-road! :JEEPIN:

After that it's just brakes, front brake lines, front springs and shocks and clutch to do...! :dizzy:

Haven't figured out how to post pics yet, so once I do, I'll pop some up of my dry bearing.

Very bad noise when in 4WD

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