I think I have a bad front drive shaft

[uctke283]

I hear a thumping noise when driving - no vbration or feeling in steering wheel. It feels like it is coming from under the center of the jeep. I went under and I have some play back and forth, and I can also rotate it about 1/2 inch or so.

Does this sound right? I am assuming I can remove it and still drive in 2 wheel until I get a replacement?\

Thanks

 

[Warren.fischbeck]

That's a bad driveshaft. You can pull the driveshaft pretty easily and it's ok to drive without it. 8mm socket is all you'll need.

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

utcke, just to make sure, grab the rear end of the driveshaft and check for play.

 

[ericautopart]

I WAS TOLD I can't confirm but I WAS TOLD if you flip the shaft around it'll work for some more time. I don't know if I'd try it but a few shops said it works great..

 

[uctke283]

I WAS TOLD I can't confirm but I WAS TOLD if you flip the shaft around it'll work for some more time. I don't know if I'd try it but a few shops said it works great..

I just sent you an email.

 

[uctke283]

utcke, just to make sure, grab the rear end of the driveshaft and check for play.

I can partially rotate it both front and rear, it appears that most of the play is towards the front, but there is some at the back.

 

[Midgear]

check the transfer case end of the drive shaft, there should be a rubber boot inside there, if the boot isn't present, replace the drive shaft, and make sure you purchase the right length of shaft!

 

[uctke283]

so what is the trick to getting the old shaft out? I cant get the front end out of the caseing...

 

[uctke283]

never mind I got it with the tap of a hammer.

 

[uctke283]

so I pulled the front drive shaft and I still have the noise, so I am now thinking front wheel hub/bearings?

I have tightened every bolt including brake calipers that I touched in the last month or so.

The sound seems to stop when I touch brakes, but I can hear it all speeds..

 

[Midgear]

is this a rotational thumping sound? (thump thump thump thump thump at 30 MPH) or does it only thump when during a turn or hitting a bump?

 

[uctke283]

rotational, not while turning. no popping sound, just a thumping...

 

[Midgear]

hmmm.gif

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

Ummm...checked your front CV boots?

 

[uctke283]

Ummm...checked your front CV boots?

They are intact and dry - I think I will pull the CV's and check them for wear.