Four wheel drive making loud clunking noise

Tiny
BEAU1201
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 5.2L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 236,000 MILES
Hi, I have recently noticed that my truck makes a violent, loud 'clunking' noise/jarring only when I am in four wheel drive, and only when the drive train is under load. Ie. Acceleration or braking while accelerating or turning sharply. In two wheel there is no problem and in four wheel drive simply driving along in moderate acceleration there is no problem. It only 'pops' when in four wheel drive. I would describe it as a continuous clanking noise that seems to match how fast the wheels are turning. The transfer case and front differential are good on oil level.

thanks,

Beau Nelson
Thursday, October 20th, 2016 AT 9:23 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Try driving in a left hand circle with four wheel drive then right to see which side is loudest. It may be an axle shaft or wheel bearing on whichever side is loudest.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 AT 6:24 PM
Tiny
BEAU1201
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks. The clunking starts up equally between directions. I did notice my CV axles are at different angles, while the trick sits (looking from the front). One is straight, the other (passenger side) looks kinked a little as it connects to the wheel.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 AT 6:24 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check for a torn boot or bad axle shaft.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 AT 6:24 PM
Tiny
STEVE BARRAGAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 1997 chevy suburban 4wd and while in 4wd it was making a loud clanging noise when accelerating in 4wd hi or 4wd lo. Anyways everything underneath was tight and no play. I couldn't figure it out. It has the dash 2wd 4wd hi and 4wd lo electric switch it wasn't flashing while in 4wd hi or low and you could hear an engagement sound when 4wd selected. I thought it maybe it was the front crown and pinion gear missing a tooth. I took it to the mechanic and it was the 4wd actuator! I guess it was gimped up and engaging and disengaging while in 4wd and making a horrible clanging noise. Anyways I replaced the actuator myself a few years ago (which was possibly the easiest repair ever) but the 4wd light was flashing and it wasn't engaging at that time. Anyways it cost me a fair bit more to have a mechanic diagnose and then replace the actuator but if it happens again I'll know what it is. Also I may be able to help someone else searching online for an answer. It's a fairly cheap fix to do yourself and super simple to do. About $60.00 from 1aauto! Hope this helps someone out.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+5
Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 AT 6:24 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links