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Rear end clunking :(

18K views 28 replies 13 participants last post by  crippled 
#1 ·
Something is clunking at the rear of my JKU. When at a complete stop and then accelerating, I hear a clunk. Its intermittent so its not everytime I accelerate. I would say maybe 5 out of 10 times. I just had my driveline service done too so I hope its not the rear differential. I cannot pinpoint it but from doing a quick google search it appears those who have this issue mostly have the rear diff carrier replaces (spider gears eat themselves) most people have the LSD rear too just like I have..... The dealer also replaced the axle seal and bearing at the sametime last visit under warranty.

Any other things I can check? I would hate to bring it to the dealer just because sometimes they seem to not try hard when diagnosing things still under warranty.
 
#6 ·
A "clunk" can be lots of things. Control arms, shock mounts, sway bar links, the sway bar, track bar and links. An easy way to check it out is to leave the vehicle in neutral, have someone fairly strong grab a rear tire and roll the vehicle back about an inch then roll it forwarded an inch over and over. While they are doing this look at everything, if there is anything loose you will be able to see it when they swap directions useing the tire.

Most times when people in jeeps complain about a clunk it is something that has come lose or a bushing that is out. Problems with the rear can happen but there is no since in going down that road till the obvious and easy to diagnose stuff is done first.
 
#7 ·
Make sure your seats are all locked into position. My back seat was not locked and would flop around occasionally, and I thought the same thing you did. It makes a very loud clunk, and I was sure my rear axle was falling off. Cross your fingers, and go check.
 
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#10 ·
First thing to check is the jack. Mine was loose in the holder and made the same noise.
 
#16 ·
Reading through a TJ forum post (for something, I forget what), but they made suggestion of the Control Arms/bushings.

Seeing as I've heard this from time to time, I am now wondering if it is my control arms.

Supposing this is the case, do people generally replace the CAs? If so, seeing as I have a slight lift (2.5"), would it be advisable to search for slightly longer arms to clean up caster angle? Or I guess I'm curious as to my options (replace bushings, replace CAs with stock size, replace CAs with longer/shorter, etc.).
 
#22 ·
Been there, done that.. took 4 months trying to check everything and a few trips around the block with my favorite (seriously) tech at the dealer to finally locate the issue. Done under warranty, gutted the rear end and replaced everything but the clutch packs for the LSD, they were fine. Noise is gone and is has been good again.

Check for play in the pinion as it goes into the axle, mine didn't have a lot in it but it was enough.
 

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