Knocking, clicking, ticking sound while coasting

[dmauldin]

2001 Limited Auto 2WD, stock suspension, 208,000 miles.

This sound is mostly, if not only noticeable when coasting at low speeds.

It is not very loud. As soon as I give even a small amount of gas, the sound seems to go away.

Usually present when coasting in a parking lot, up to a red light, etc.

Sounds like something that's rotating when in motion - never hear it when at a stop. It seems to be speed-dependent. In other words, the frequency of the clicks slows as speed slows.

It's not loud enough to register on a recording.

Any idea where to start looking?

 

[I_bRAD]

Rocks stuck in the tire treads?

 

[MStudt]

Check the u-joints on your drive-shafts.

 

[dmauldin]

Rocks stuck in the tire treads?

Definitely not that - it's a deeper sound.

 

[dmauldin]

Check the u-joints on your drive-shafts.

What should I look for in the u-joints? If I crawl under and try to move them around, should I notice any play? Look for wear?

 

[MStudt]

What should I look for in the u-joints? If I crawl under and try to move them around, should I notice any play? Look for wear?

Grab the drive-shaft and see if it has any play in it. You'll notice it floating around if it's bad. The pins in the caps wear out, and caps can crack.

 

[dmauldin]

OK, I can't really create any noticeable 'play' in the driveshaft.

I noticed that there are grease zerks on both the front and rear u-joints.

Should I get some moly grease and pump it in there until I see it coming out? I'm confused because most of my research shows that 2WD joints don't have grease zerks - but mine does...perhaps it's a replacement shaft?

 

[AntleredRuin]

Where does the noise sound like it's coming from? Front or back?
I know you said the it's a 2wd, but in my old 4x4 Jeep Wagoneer, the spider gears in the front differential broke and caused a speed-sensitive click noise. Not terribly loud, but definitely annoying.

 

[dmauldin]

Where does the noise sound like it's coming from? Front or back?
I know you said the it's a 2wd, but in my old 4x4 Jeep Wagoneer, the spider gears in the front differential broke and caused a speed-sensitive click noise. Not terribly loud, but definitely annoying.

I can't really tell, but I think it's coming from the front end, not the rear.

I have some Mystik JT6, NLGI No. 2 Multi-Purpose Grease. Is this good to use on the U-Joints?

 

[MStudt]

OK, I can't really create any noticeable 'play' in the driveshaft.

I noticed that there are grease zerks on both the front and rear u-joints.

Should I get some moly grease and pump it in there until I see it coming out? I'm confused because most of my research shows that 2WD joints don't have grease zerks - but mine does...perhaps it's a replacement shaft?

I'd put grease in it, and what that does. Plus, it should be done anyways.

 

[dmauldin]

I'd put grease in it, and what that does. Plus, it should be done anyways.

Is Mystik JT6, NLGI No. 2 Multi-Purpose Grease OK to use in this application, or should I get something different? I have this on-hand...

 

[willbgood]

What should I look for in the u-joints? If I crawl under and try to move them around, should I notice any play? Look for wear?

Quality replacements?

What's the mileage, is it exposed to salt. Put it in the air and engage the trans and listen, but do now get under it unless you have a lift that is approved for working under...also do not touch the sucker while its is running, or get anything near that might get caught up and strangle you. Sometimes a U joint will be going bad, but you can not noticeably move it but a low RPM turning reveals the noise and is a sure bet you need to replace them.

Also, sound can resonant from front to rear, or the other way, but if could be something up front, if it is in the joints, lifting it and listening will usually reveal the location.