Clanking noise when shifting the transmission into reverse?

TWOSHOTBUD

MEMBER
2001 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
5.3L
V8
4WD
160,000 MILES

I had a clanking noise when I shift into reverse. I changed both u joints rear shaft no carrier bearing. There is still a clanking when shifting to reverse. I believe I have narrowed down to the rear end at the 3rd member. Jacked up the rear of the truck rotated tires back and forth it definitely is coming from the pinion. My Question is, what inside the third member is clanking only when shifted to rev. Drives fine with no other issues that I can tell. Thanks in advance.

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
45,734 POSTS

So, if there is play in the rear end ring and pinion gears it will allow the driveshaft to "freewheel" for a partial rotation and when the slack is gone it will make the clung noise. To confirm, have a helper put the truck in reverse while you look under the truck from the side to see how much the driveshaft is turning when the transmission is shifted from drive to reverse. Also, you can get a better idea of where the noise is coming from. I have not seen the transfer case this noise, but you never know. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so I can hear the noise? That way I can tell for sure what's going on.