Driveshaft Play...

[Bubble18-30]

Evening Guys!

I've got a knocking coming from the rear on initial loading when the auto is put into "Drive" which I'm in the middle of looking at!

Whilst checking the driveshaft CV bolts I noted that there is 1cm of play in the driveshaft...i marked up the rear axle yoke and with the rear wheels in the air and the box in neutral I rotated the driveshaft both ways measuring the total distance between the wheels moving..

Is 1cm too much? There is no CV join play and the driveshaft rotates 1cm at both ends..

 

[jcasey007]

if its a clunk sound, I had the same when moving from R to D and back again, until I changed the transfer box, no more clunk. I have the same rotational play as you in the diff but this does not seam to make any noise.

 

[regorsmith]

Hi guys,
I've got the same thing with mine.
If i pull away gently i don't get a very noticable clunk!!
The clunk is there between R and D though.
Is/was yours like that too?
If it is then i fear the worst and need another transfer box if that's the solution..
I had been looking around the rear diff, but have found nothing out of shape.

 

[jcasey007]

I don't think the clunk is immediatly terminal as mine clunked for 36000 miles before failing

 

[Bubble18-30]

Morning Guys, I figured the play was probably ok but I based that on other big engined RWD cars - Monaro etc, they all have It. When I had the diff cover off I noticed not a lot of play between the gears including the gear that links directly to the end if the driveshaft and the opposing gears for the axles. When I move the driveshaft backwards and forwards the "clunk" appears to be coming from inside the driveshaft itself! (about 1/2 way down) I can't find any diagrams but is the rear driveshaft telescopic to compensate for the axle movement?

 

[jcasey007]

no they are solid

are you pulling the driveshaft out or twisting it?

there is some play if you pull out (and push in) which will clunk and can be limited by shims

 

[chrisquelch]

prop shaft

Morning Guys, I figured the play was probably ok but I based that on other big engined RWD cars - Monaro etc, they all have It. When I had the diff cover off I noticed not a lot of play between the gears including the gear that links directly to the end if the driveshaft and the opposing gears for the axles. When I move the driveshaft backwards and forwards the "clunk" appears to be coming from inside the driveshaft itself! (about 1/2 way down) I can't find any diagrams but is the rear driveshaft telescopic to compensate for the axle movement?

are we talking about the rear prop shaft if so that has a sliding joint near the front end.cheers chris

 

[Bubble18-30]

Evening Guys, I had a relook at the driveshaft again.

Hi Jim, I've got no lateral play in the driveshaft at the ends where it meets the Diff and Transfer Box.

Chris, when I wiggle it up and down there is play in the telescopic joint....and it clunks!!!

Should the joint have any play guys?

 

[Bubble18-30]

Afternoon All! I'm going to drop this thread into the Stock 1995 - 2001 Explorer section on the US bit guys, to see if they can advise - my research has come up blank! I'll update this thread on me getting some more info!

 

[Bubble18-30]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2534858&nojs=1#goto_threadtools

 

[my pos mounty]

Chris, when I wiggle it up and down there is play in the telescopic joint....and it clunks!!!

Should the joint have any play guys?

No, you should not have that type of movement in the driveshaft. It should be tight in that way.

 

[chrisquelch]

hi i was under a explorer today and it didnt have any play in the prop shaft sliding joint.cheers chris

 

[Bubble18-30]

Cheers Mounty and Chris! Is the Driveshaft / Propshaft servicable at all?

 

[my pos mounty]

Cheers Mounty and Chris! Is the Driveshaft / Propshaft servicable at all?

I think that your propshaft has worn internally at the slip joint, judging by your description. The only fix for that is a replacement.

 

[alan13henderson]

sounds like chris has your solution as well?

 

[BIGHVM]

grease the bugger to death, real heavy stuff and high temp...see if that will help, but dont forget you have to fix it in the end!

 

[Bubble18-30]

I'm all for greasing the hell out of things to make them last Big but I'm thinking that this may be one of the causes of my bloody annoying initial transmission "clunk" when I first engage drive on setting off - I've ruled out all other causes! After scaring myself on Rock Auto for a new one ($300+...) I'm gonna wait until payday and plump for a good condition used one.

 

[Bubble18-30]

Just a quick stupid question (to save me crawling back under and counting the ridges...) are the CV joint bolts 12point bolts guys?

 

[janolsson]

Just a quick stupid question (to save me crawling back under and counting the ridges...) are the CV joint bolts 12point bolts guys?

Rear prop to transfer case bolts are 12pt 12mm IIRC

 

[Bubble18-30]

Thanks Jan