Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: NikF on March 26, 2012, 03:47:13 PM

Title: Rear axle noises
Post by: NikF on March 26, 2012, 03:47:13 PM
So about a month ago I started hearing this kind of popping noise coming from the rear end of my 91 jeep wrangler yj. I pulled the rear tires off and found out the cause of the noise I think. There is about a quarter to half inch of movement horizontally in my rear axle. Like I can push and pull on the tire or hub and it moves back and forth. Does any one know what could cause that and how to fix it?
Title: Re: Rear axle noises
Post by: morerpmfred on March 26, 2012, 04:15:30 PM
No c clips on that year of yj?  Wheel bearings. If there is a groove in the axle shaft ,you may need those as well.
Title: Re: Rear axle noises
Post by: TL-Iguana on March 26, 2012, 09:26:52 PM
have you checked your rear u joints? My XJ did the same thing, but everything wass still within spec.....
Title: Re: Rear axle noises
Post by: NikF on March 27, 2012, 01:15:02 PM
have you checked your rear u joints? My XJ did the same thing, but everything wass still within spec.....

So you had noises coming from the rear end whenever you went over bumps slowly? And it turned out to be the rear drive shaft u joints?
Title: Re: Rear axle noises
Post by: TL-Iguana on March 27, 2012, 11:38:29 PM
ujoints are cheap to replace, was only a suggestion. I can lift the back end of my xj up and the axles do have some lateral movement. Not entirely sure how much is too much, but they will move in and out to some degree :)
Title: Re: Rear axle noises
Post by: Bnine on March 28, 2012, 08:02:13 AM
You need to be a bit more discriptive with your problem guy.

Telling these guys you hear "pop" from the arse end is like telling a doctor your bunghole hurts sometimes when you sneeze. How should he know whats wrong.

Anyways, what sound, what speed, is it rotational with the engine, with the clutch in, out, etc etc. The more clear you are, the easier it will be to help you.

Since you added that you hear it over slow bumps, I suggest you watch underneath as you have someone bounce on the bumper. Pay close attention to the shocks and their bushings.
Title: Re: Rear axle noises
Post by: NikF on March 29, 2012, 12:13:39 AM
Well I did have someone look underneath as I was jumping on the bumper. The shocks were just replaced and the springs and bushings look fine. A little wore but still good. There is no noise when I jump on the bumper. Only when I'm moving. And it's only when I go over bumps slowly. The noise doesn't get louder or faster with engine speed or depending on what gear I'm in. It's only when I'm going slow and going over bumps. And it seems to only happen if I go over bumps at an angle. If I go over a speed bump straight on I don't hear anything. If I go over it on an angle I can hear the noise again.
Title: Re: Rear axle noises
Post by: Vinman on March 29, 2012, 06:55:20 AM
And it seems to only happen if I go over bumps at an angle. If I go over a speed bump straight on I don't hear anything. If I go over it on an angle I can hear the noise again.

Because of this symptom, I would look at the swaybars links and bushings.

Vince
Title: Re: Rear axle noises
Post by: fug on March 29, 2012, 02:49:15 PM
You mention play when you yank on the tires.  Do you mean you can move the tire/wheel combo in and out?  or when you yank on a tire the whole axle shifts on the leaf spring?
Title: Re: Rear axle noises
Post by: NikF on March 31, 2012, 09:30:31 PM
The tire/wheel combo moves in and out.
Title: Re: Rear axle noises
Post by: cLAY on April 01, 2012, 10:50:20 AM
Any sign of an oil leak? Oil stains down the tires, brakes soaked in oil, oil stains from the drums?