05 WK Clunking noises

nybull · 12-06-2009, 02:31 AM

Hi All,

FNG here, just got back from a deployment to the middle east and now have the pleasure of trying to figure out wtf is wrong with my Jeep. While driving at any speed, when I let off the gas pedal there is a loud clunking noise that is coming from the front end. It doesn't make the noise while accelerating though, but when I apply the brakes it is more noticeable then when I just let off the gas and coast. There is also a loud metal on metal noise almost like a snapping that happens that I could swear is coming from the front left tire, but that noise is not as prevelent as the clunking. It almost feels like something is binding up in the drivetrain. Just wanted to see if anyone's had any similar issues that could lead me in the right track, I'm thinking either transfer case, drive shaft, or differential maybe? Thanks in advance!

scottydog · 12-06-2009, 07:29 AM

Could be suspension or drivetrain. Put the rig up on a lift and start looking around, tugging on everything till you find whatever is loose.

Do you get a clunk going from neutral to drive or reverse?

Thanks for your service!

lbdyll · 12-06-2009, 05:35 PM

I also have this problem. Have had the problem for about a year and have not been able to figure it out. also No clunk going from neutral to drive or reverse.

afss · 12-06-2009, 06:48 PM

in my old 98 jeep i had a similar problem, took me forever to find the clunk... ended up being a sway bar link. I haven't looked under this newer one to see if its the same set up but it would clucnk at almost any shift acceleration/deceleration.

robpp · 12-06-2009, 07:18 PM

there are 3 front diff isolators (rubber mounts) the middle one goes bad fiirst.

nybull · 12-08-2009, 11:25 AM

no clunk going between any gears, my buddy and I jacked the jeep up and couldn't find anything at all and hes a damn good mechanic, next step is we're going to jack up the whole jeep and try from there

No_Return · 12-08-2009, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robpp

there are 3 front diff isolators (rubber mounts) the middle one goes bad fiirst.

The front center Diff Isolator is the likely cause... is in 99% likely. It is really difficult to see even when you have it on a lift... that is until it starts to come apart like mine has then it is pretty easy. The dealer missed it before when I asked them to look and see what was clunking.

Does anyone know if I can buy the Axle mounting isolator anywhere besides the Dealership? Does Anybody happen to have the Part #?

scottydog · 12-08-2009, 02:44 PM

The bushing is like $30 retail. It's all the labor involved that is the killer.

JMorash · 12-08-2009, 04:20 PM

I have clunking and clicking. Turned out to be the sway bar links, have yet to find a solution to my problem. Replaced the links, and still no solution.

88mudder · 12-09-2009, 09:13 AM

Does anybody have a pic where these ("""there are 3 front diff isolators (rubber mounts) the middle one goes bad fiirst.""") are on the Jeep. I have a clunk somewhere in my front end too that I can't find.

scottydog · 12-09-2009, 05:17 PM

There have been some photos posted, but just look for one on each side of the front differential supporting the half axles, and one on the driveshaft between the transfer case and the front dif.

nybull · 12-10-2009, 03:20 PM

Thanks JGC, I called my buddy and he said that's a good place to start looking. I'll let you know what I find

I8AHUMR · 12-12-2009, 08:48 AM

I had a problem with the isolators, number 14 in pic, and I wouldn't notice it when going from R->N or D->N unless there was some pressure on the bushing. They'll be more pressure on it if you stop suddenly rather than slowly.

88mudder · 12-14-2009, 09:29 AM

Thanks for the pic, just what I needed.

tranzamwayno · 01-28-2010, 10:43 PM

is it difficult for the average back yard mechanic to replace the isolater bushings?

12-06-2009, 07:18 PM	#5
robpp Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,068 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	there are 3 front diff isolators (rubber mounts) the middle one goes bad fiirst. __________________ Rob 007 Laredo 4.7 FFV 27X; DeBadg'd; Zaino'd; SRT8 Grill, Pedals, Strut; ClearBra; WeatherTech; LED Reverse; HIR Hi/Lo; SS Fog; Stealth Turns; 15% Tint; Stubbie; Rear Spoiler; Magnaflow; V1; 22Elite Console/Visors; Body Kit; Color Match Everything; TintedTails; K&N 63; Front Skid; QuickOilDrainValve; BatteryTender; SuperChips 91; Bilstein; Billet Window Switches; Greasable Addco Sways; RamMedic Hood; Fastman TB; BWoody Links; Kicker Upgrade w/Single Sub; AVIC F90BT Hacked; NeffyWrap ABCD; Putco LEDs; Viper 20s w/255/50; R1 Slot/Dimple w/Hawk Pro Ceramic; Whistler Mod w/FlashTech Halos

12-09-2009, 09:13 AM	#10
88mudder Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Arkansas Posts: 75 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Does anybody have a pic where these ("""there are 3 front diff isolators (rubber mounts) the middle one goes bad fiirst.""") are on the Jeep. I have a clunk somewhere in my front end too that I can't find.

12-14-2009, 09:29 AM	#14
88mudder Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Arkansas Posts: 75 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Thanks for the pic, just what I needed.