Clicking sound at rear diff and drive shaft conection

[FORD FOR LIFE]

I have a 1999 4 l SHOC 4 wheel drive 5 speed auto, Explorer. This morning I took to a tyre place and they lifted the ex off the ground and ran the wheels the noise was from where the drive shaft connects to the rear differential. What are the fault areas? Can I do/fix myself. The metalic clicking is mostly heard on hard acceleration but now is all the time - like when in confined spaces.

 

[Rick]

The U-joints probably need to be replaced. Did the shop make any kind of diagnosis?

Here is a how to thread:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191429

Welcome to the forum

 

[FORD FOR LIFE]

I hope that is the cause, looks doable from the link. The tyre place assumed it was inside the diff?? but this looks like is the cause, since it is metallic sound and sharp.

 

[codyboy]

hard shifts curiosity

Welcome. I'm curious to know if the transmission has been shifting hard and therefore might have been the cause for the ujoint failure, if indeed that's your problem. I would suppose these joints should withstand a lifetime of hard shifts.

 

[FORD FOR LIFE]

Transmission fine

There is no problem on my transmission. I do "abuse" the Ex in terms on fast accelarations, almost on a daily basis - i can't hlep it!

But only recently i loaded it up with stuff a few times and gunned it, but only a few miles. It could be I moved to a gravel and wet in the rainny season area.

I sprayed some WD 40 to see if noise goes away - before I check on the U joints, properly. Also I have to get the right size U Joints before dissabling, if they (the U joint) is indeed bad.

 

[codyboy]

Glad to hear your transmissions fine. if you are still driving the vehicle,my concerns for your transmission would be this: a worn u joint becomes loose which causes drive shaft rattle which might eventually ruin your bushing and seal in your transmission external housing and possibly your drive axle seals also. I personally would try to avoid that aI would suppose that that situation might be more prevalent since you are prone to gunning your vehicle.

 

[FORD FOR LIFE]

Does it need lubing or replacing?

The WD 40 is working wonders, the clicking is mostly gone. Apart from on initial click, once in a while. Do I need to replace the u joint? every thing looks and feels tight - nothing loose or wobbly. What is the best way to lube it, or is replacement the best option?

 

[codyboy]

In my humble opinion, I'm a firm believer of the addage "IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT". OBVIOUSLY, the noise was originating from this joint. Logically, something was wrong. If it was a lack of lubrication in the needles, wd40 is not going to last long. I personally would take it apart and inspect if possible. You can decide what to do after that. Hope it works out.

 

[swshawaii]

Agree. If WD-40 stopped the rotational noise, they are not lubricated or sealed.

Surprisingly cheap for their precision and strength, and a critical drive train part.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1354542,parttype,2392

 

[FORD FOR LIFE]

Will replace soon

Thanks to everyone, esp. Rick how pointed out to look at the U Joint, I was fearing it was inside the diff. Fortunatley it is not. Best if I replace it soon, WD is a temp fix.
Only scared I will throw the alignment off even with the markings and other precautions during replacement.

 

[Rick]

Just make sure the flanges go together the same as they came apart and there won't be any issues.

 

[codyboy]

suggestion for u

Hey FFL. (Hope that acronym was cool to use). Just a wild suggestion here. I'm going to rebuild my transmission soon, and I have the same concerns regarding realignment of universal,mounts,bell housing,flywheel ,BOLTS ETC. I think to spraypaint the critical areas and that as a template for realignment. Might sound funny, but seems practical. the only excuse I have for thinking like this is that "MacGYVER" has been in my brain for many years. I always try to repurpose what I own instead of buying new. I just resently replaced my microwave glass screen that broke with a computer monitor screen and the all too versatile DuctTape.Go figure!

 

[FORD FOR LIFE]

Microwave macgaver

I will be replacing the u joints soon, but is a ways before it packs Up.
codyboy
I am all for macgaver, but I think you should buy a new microwave, as it gives some radiation if not sealed properly. My two cents.

 

[codyboy]

I agree. Already decided to do so. Mrs macgyver needs to pick it out. Thanks

 

[FORD FOR LIFE]

I got the u joint but I think waited too long and now my transfer case is leaking, codyboy pointed out earlier. A stitch in time would have saved nine.