Clicking/clacking noise from rear axle/breaks

[ljp]

Hey all,

New to the forum. I admire your passion for the KJ.

I have an 04 V6 4x4. My wife put it in reverse one day and heard a loud noise like she hit something. No jolt.

She drove it fine for a while then a rhythmic clicking or clacking sound started.

I checked it out and it definitely coming from the around the rear axle or brake rotor area. I pulled both rear tires off and put it in gear. It seemed to be coming form both rear rotor areas but it was hard to tell because I couldn't got close to the pass side rear bc I was gassing it.

The noise was not always there on the drivers side rear when I gassed it. It often took me many tries to get it to make the noise. Couldn't find anything loose or lodged back there.

Put the tires on, drove it an the noise is still there. It seems like the faster I go, the louder it gets. It goes from a click, click, click to a clack, clack and there may be a little whump whump in there. I can't feel any diff in driving smoothness. Braking is fine.

Any ideas? Thanks

"Noise":893Chainsaw-Smilie-

 

[LibertyTC]

First off (welcome) to the forum.
Anytime you put the KJ into reverse and you get a clunk or a rude awakening, You have to consider the culprit as a rear driveline U-Joint.
Hopefully they are not getting too hot with lots of play.
It would be best to get the Jeep on a lift and inspect/have a good look at them.
Also if your Jeep has a Trac-Lok differential, the GL5 lube needs to be changed with Chrysler additive, every 12,000 miles if it is a limited slip with clutches. Should state diff type on your build sheet, you can get one from the dealer with your VIN#.

 

[osufans]

try removing your rear rotors and looking at your e-brake shoes....just had the same issue.

 

[DirtyKK]

I would take a look at the u joints on the rear driveshaft also.

 

[ljp]

OSU

Did you have to replace the shoes and that was all it took. No more clickity clackity whump?

 

[boebr1]

The last time my rear end made a whump noise it had something to do with the cheap Chinese food I ate...

 

[New Liberty]

I would take a look at the u joints on the rear driveshaft also.

X2 - Have had similar issues with other vehicles.

 

[osufans]

OSU

Did you have to replace the shoes and that was all it took. No more clickity clackity whump?

yeah, but the friction material had literally fallen off of the shoes. it was rolling around inside the e-brake drum and was making the noise.

if you're not familiar with these systems, this is a separate braking system that is actually INSIDE the rear rotors. so to get to it, you take of the rear calipers, remove the rear rotor, and you'll see the ebrake system.

 

[tommudd]

Check the rear U joints first
then go from there
drive a little ways then put your hand next to them
mine were toast at 55,000 miles frozen solid

ebrake shoes...with 148,000 miles mine are still like new :shrug:

 

[osufans]

ebrake shoes...with 148,000 miles mine are still like new :shrug:

Yeah, i was surprised myself, as they usually don't go that fast...but mine were shot at 74K miles. and i mean gone...as in only about 1-2mm thickness left on them. i'd bet someone did a brake job and over tightened them or something...who knows.:shrug:

 

[tommudd]

Or ran with the Ebrake slightly on :happy175:
Thats why no one drives my vehicles:favorites68:
My rear brakes made it over 135,000 before I swapped them out