Driveline Sound?

[Jim Shepard]

I have developed what I think is a "clanging" sound coming from my driveline. It doesn't do it all the time but, every once and awhile, when I start out it'll "clang." It sounds like someone banging on a pipe. It only does it once and not while I'm at speed. I've noticed I have about 3/4" to 1" of play in the drive shaft in neutral and hardly any if it's in gear. Also, when I move the drive shaft it's the same sound I hear. It sounds/feels like the drive shaft engaging the differential gears. Anyone got any ideas?

[Bob_Koch]

sounds like a universal joint has gone.

[Reg Evans]

Yes, it's either worn out or ready to go. Drop the shaft and open up those Detroit joints. If you caught it in time they may just need some grease. Is your differential toped off ?

[MBF]

I'd also check the slip yoke to make sure that it isn't loose or worn. Mike

[Jim Shepard]

It's definitely in the differential. I spent about an hour under it and I'm leaking fluid from the pinion seal. The "clanging" sound is coming from the differential. I'm hoping nothin' drastic happens before winter. I'd like to deall with it then...

[John Moran]

After you check the u- joints ect. check the differntcial it maybe pinion slop noise, when the pinion loads up the ring gear.puts it in tension. Can you hear it when you back up? Good Luck John M.