U joint click

[HoosierJeeper]

I think the click I've been hearing is U joint related. Bit of back story, replaced the diff end U joint on the rear driveshaft about a year ago, didn't do the transfer case end (don't know why). Been hearing the click noise past few weeks, 4WD doesn't effect it nor does turning, mainly on deceleration at low speeds, had a vibration at about 45mph. Replaced the transfer case one. Vibration gone as well as a majority of the clicking, but I'm still hearing a few clicks here and there. What is the chance that the one year old one is bad? It has about 15-20k on it, non greaseable, Moog Superstrength. Or could the new one be bad?

Thanks.

 

[M38 Bob]

I see a LOT of improperly installed (usually lack of grease related) replacement joints fail in less than a year. Even if you use greasable there'll usually be one journal that never takes fresh grease and burns out.

Bob

 

[turblediesel]

I don't have a lift and the back ujoint always breaks first even when lubed regularly. First a loud crack with grinding noises like a rock between the rotor and back plate. Then it quiets down until enough needle bearings fall out to make it obvious enough to shake, rattle, and replace.

I've heard of wedges being used to angle the rear diff up so the angle is easier on the ujoint but I don't know if lifted Liberties use them.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Could I use the same the same grease that I use on my ball joints to lube the next one good before I install it?

The one that I installed today...should I take it apart again and add more grease? Or run it? It's non greaseable as well.

 

[Jo6pak]

Must be contagious HJ. I have a mystery low speed clicking somewhere on my KJ too. I'm thinking it may be the rear drive shaft too:thumbsdown:

 

[M38 Bob]

There can be as much contention over greases and their properties and mixability as ANY engine oil thread. I'll pass on that one.

Bob

 

[CzarKJ]

Could I use the same the same grease that I use on my ball joints to lube the next one good before I install it?

The one that I installed today...should I take it apart again and add more grease? Or run it? It's non greaseable as well.

A little extra lube can't hurt if you have the extra time. This is why I went with the moog greasables.

 

[turblediesel]

I wouldn't take it apart. Needle bearings sneak around and jam them up broke. Buy new ujoints with zerks, lube them and park them in the freezer until needed. Point the zerks in the same direction front and rear when you install them and you can reach them both once they can be reached. I use the same grease as ball joints and tie rod ends. If your new ujoints are tight whack the outside of the yoke ears with a hammer, (just the shoulders near the shaft), and the ujoint caps will settle in against their clips and move easier. It's how I was shown when we rode dinosaurs.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

You must be registered for see images attach

So now I have 2 new u joints and the click is still there...right after the windnoise ends in the vid you can here a few clicks as I stop. The vid is like 13 seconds but only need to watch the first half or so.
It's pretty faint, can only hear it with the windows down and no music. Mainly does it when coasting to a stop (but can do it when on the gas, not as common though), sounds like a small stick being run over. Doesn't always do it...I could drive that exact route again and it'd be silent. Strange enough, with the old U joints, after off roading for a day at the Badlands I didn't hear it for a day (it was doing it before then resumed the day after).

Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[M38 Bob]

I'm getting a "VIDEO DELETED" message on Photobucket.

Bob

 

[HoosierJeeper]

You must be registered for see images attach

Let's see if this works...

 

[Jo6pak]

That's the same noise as I have. I can only hear it when just rolling at 5-10 mph.
Boots on the front driveshaft look good, and I can't see anything in the wheels, brakes.
Mine is going to the shop on Friday for them to take a look. I will let you know what they find, unless you figure it out before then.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Mines exactly at those speeds too. Let me know what they say

 

[John3seventeen]

I can't get it to play. The other vids in your photobucket work but not this one.

 

[M38 Bob]

I can't get it to play. The other vids in your photobucket work but not this one.

Me neither. Still.

Bob

 

[HoosierJeeper]

http://vid670.photobucket.com/albums/vv61/wjkj/Mobile Uploads/FullSizeRender-4.mp4

 

[John3seventeen]

That worked but sorry that could be anything from brake pads to suspension of driveline. Heck I think my seat makes a noise like that when I sit down:shrug::gr_grin:

 

[turblediesel]

Try a slow stop with the parking brake only. Maybe it'll get louder or quieter. Try it again in neutral. Possibly broken-loose parking brake parts?

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Tried the parking brake thing...yep that was it I think. Both drivers side shoes/pads/linings came off, one did on the passenger side as well. Think this is the culprit? Needs to be redone anyway I guess.