Clacking in front end

[David13]

Going into 4 wheel drive on a trail I started to get some solid clacking from the front end, a cv joint. Seems to be from the front drive shaft and I see a lot of videos about replacing it.

So that's my suspicion. It also seems to be a little behind the front wheels. So maybe not a front drive axle. Seems more like the one from the transfer case to the front diff.

Maybe if it's in the air I can be more specific on it.

It looks like a common replacement is Detroit Axle. Any suggestions for better ones?

I may try a junkyard. I may get lucky and find a recently replaced one. I suppose it is worth a try. In years past I have found some real nice new parts on cars i the junkyard. There for a reason not of the new part they had.

But sometimes all you get is a real old and much used one.
dc

 

[Gyro]

Check the boot on tc side of front driveshaft.
If the boot is shot, the cv is likely too.
Cheap and easy fix - https://www.driveshaftparts.com/ME807

Gyro

 

[David13]

I can't get it to do it again.

Seems like it only did it when I turned around. A two point turn around on a dirt trail/road.

Just ordinary trail/road seems to work just fine.

I may half way recall that it did this some long time ago. Maybe a few years ago.

I got to get under it, and jack it up, I want to rotate tires and check brakes. So I'll inspect it then. And may just rebuild it.

Thanks
dc

 

[DadOSix]

Had this happen once on my 04 ( then belonging to MIL )

They had some tire work done and a supposed alignment. They drove a while like that and then got scared as it would happen in a sharp turn.

I found the tire shop who did the alignment forgot to tighten the right lower control arm front nut and it was allowing the arm to travel and slap. Found on an oil change as I laid under the jeep and saw the shiny place where the washer normally sat.

 

[David13]

Yes, a good part of the reason I don't like to ever have anyone else touch any of my machines.

And it can always be something else and something simple.

But this did sound like loose ball bearings and a tinny metal sound. And it could be coming from either front wheel. But it did sound very much like coming from the front drive shaft, near to the front of the transfer case.

It does have some good play to it. But I can't get it to repeat the noise. I think I'll just rebuild it.
dc

 

[Gyro]

Just noticed in your sig you have an 2008 kk.
The link in my first post is for the kj.
Here is a link to cv for 08-12 kk .https://www.driveshaftparts.com/CVJ015

Gyro