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Clicking/Popping/Clunk Sound when accelerating from a stop

24K views 11 replies 8 participants last post by  KleenPerformance 
#1 ·
Hey guys, i am brand new to the jeep world as of 2 weeks ago. I just purchased a bone stock 2005 wrangler x 4.0l 6 speed manual with 50k miles and i am loving it so far minus this sound i am hearing.

So here is what i got going on. Upon initial test drive i never heard this sound, but after about a 15 - 20 minute drive home i heard this sound (which could be described as a pop/clunk/clicking sound, but it reminds me of a sound heard when something is binding). The sound is only heard at initial acceleration from a stop and is only heard for maybe 1-2 seconds. The sound also seems to occur more when i am turning left or right vs going straight. it sounds like it is coming from the center or rear of the vehicle to me and can sometimes be heard when backing up. it is very intermittent and can not seem to pin point where it is coming from. And by intermittent i mean it will happen after about 20 minutes of driving and then not reoccur all day.

I have already taken it back to the dealership i purchased it from hoping they would figure it out, but unfortunately they have not been able to duplicate the concern.

I am reaching out for your help to try to figure this out. I have searched under the vehicle and on the multiple different forums for hours on end trying to figure out something that may be causing this sound i am hearing, but i have no luck so far. Any and all help is much appreciated.
 
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#4 ·
Just asking. Wouldn't u joints be a little more consistent as for a sound being heard?

I've checked the trans mount it appears to be in good condition. There is no tears or breaks and the plate was removed when a new muffler was installed. The sound was also present before the muffler was installed.

As for the control arms they are all tight. I've noticed very minima side play in the arms at the bushings. Is this normal or a sign of failure?
 
#5 ·
If it has 31" tires, they could be rubbing on the control arms when you turn. It is simple to adjust the steering stops.

Front axle u-joints will click if they are going bad...usually heard when turning.
 
#6 · (Edited)
Go forward and then go to reverse a foot or so. This usually will get bad ujoints popping for diagnostics. Just looking at the ujoints or grabbing the driveshaft and tugging on it will not check the ujoints...unless they are completely without bearing needles. Also check to see if you have a locker in the rear. They will make a lot of popping, depending on what kind has been installed. There was an optional limited slip available also and they need a special additive to work properly.
 
#8 ·
It might also be your exhaust tapping against a shock. Mine does this only occasionally, usually up a slight incline and mostly when turning. There is a little contact point on the shock body that is on the inside edge but easy to see if you're looking for it.
 
#10 ·
So just updating this. Still haven't found the source of the sound. Although I think my original description of the sound may be off. Seems more like a creaking sound now. Again everything is stock minus a magnaflow weld in muffler with a turn down and a high flow intake. The sound is only present after about 20 minutes of highway driving and when accelerating from a stop in first gear while turning left or right. Is there a way to post a video of the sound on here? Thanks again for the help. Just trying to get some guidance before I take it to a mechanic.
 
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