Driveline clunking

[nickt]

790000

My 1998 Cherokee Sport 4x4 has had a clunking feel/sound in the driveline (feels like the rear-end) since around the 23,000 mile mark. It has 55,000 on it now. You can feel it when the Jeep comes to a stop and when you start to accelerate from a dead stop. Have had it into the dealership several times but am told that it is "normal operation". I don't think it is normal however it has not gotten any worse over the course of the last 30,000 miles. I am looking for any ideas from Jeepers with similar problems and a fix if there is one.

 

[TerryMason]

791000

Could be worn out U joints, although I think you'd get the clunking all of the time, so maybe not.

The dealer really told you that weird vibrations/sounds from the rear of the car are normal? How bad is it? Do other passengers notice or just you?

Terry

 

[psyko_vicious]

ive got the same problem on my 93 zj. kinda feels like the rear differential is in neutral at the stop light and then switches to drive at 2,000 rpm

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

nickt, that is a common problem and is often the frontend, like a bad trackbar. I would start by tightening each end of the front trackbar really tight. Then inspect the swaybar bushings and control arm bushings (flashlight and screwdriver method). Any cracked bushings could cause this.

If nothing is found, the front trackbar could be bad.

 

[blown XJ]

it could be ridge built up on the spline of your slip yoke that want was wrong on my friends jeep check the transfer case output shaft spines for any ridges of bumps if there is any that could be your prodlem..

 

[tardis454]

nickt, that is a common problem and is often the frontend, like a bad trackbar.....Any cracked bushings could cause this.

Agreed, I bought my 99' XJ With 53,000 on it and it's been doing the stop and go clunking since day one. Upon further inspection I noticed some wasted bushings. There's a lot of stress on those bushings. I'm going to buy a complete front Poly Bushing kit for it. My friend put one on his XJ, and it's a night and day difference.

 

[psyko_vicious]

I read an article stating that it could be my transfer case chain. i have noticed it "clunks"/slips after exiting the freeway and traveling at much lower speeds or when i've driven say 10-15 miles. I am also noticing that my transfer case is leaking could low fluid bee the issue? it definatley sounds like it is coming from there

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

The transfer case shouldn't clunk in 2wd, at least not caused by the chain as it's a straight through power transfer to the rear driveshaft. Definately top off the fluid.

 

[thebomb_79]

my 2000 cherokee sport does the same thing(273,000kms) and I was told it could be the carrier bolts.