2000 Dodge Durango Clicking noise while moving slow

A_T_DIAMOND

MEMBER
2000 DODGE DURANGO
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
149,567 MILES

I just started to notice a clicking noise when I back up in reverse it will do it 1 maybe 2 times as I back out of the drive way or car parking spot. Then as I pull away I here a clicking noise as I get up to about 20 mph once I'm over 30 mph it either goes away or the road noise covers it up. I've noticed recently an oily substance in the driveway, I've looked underneath but can't figure out where it is coming from, looks possibly around the U-joint or axle area, NOT A MECHANIC so I have no idea, I've heard it could be the lifters? I've heard it could be the rear end? Then I've got one other issue, over heats as I drive up logging roads in the mountains once at speed the engine cools down, but driving slow up hill or if going through the bank drive through temp gauge starts to rise.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,645 POSTS

The overheating sounds like the fan clutch needs replaced. It should make the fan spin faster at low speeds when there is not enough air circulation to cool the radiator.

As far as the leak, is it near the rear axle or the transfer case? To me it sounds like a U-joint, but that wouldn't cause a leak unless it has caused damage to a seal.

Let me know.
Joe