U-joints Clunking

[Spong]

Anyone had to have the U-joints replaced? My TB has 14,128 miles on it and the U-joints have been clunking for some time but I've noticed they are really getting bad.

I only notice it when I'm driving slow with not much load on them (like leaving my driveway and heading easy down the street). The biggest clunk seems to be when the tranny goes from 2nd to 3rd.

I've heard this on full size trucks before but not TB's. Just wondered if anyone else has?

[superman_79065]

I've got almost 125k om my TB and never had a problem. Nor did I ever see a TB come in for u-joints when I worked at the dealership. I guess it's possible though. Are you sure it's u-joints? Have you inspected them?

[Spong]

I haven't gotten under the truck and looked at them. The sound is just like U-joints. It's a loud clunk and it sounds like it comes from the rear. It doesn't do it under acceleration load, only when under very light load when the tranny upshifts.

What's the best way to check them? Grab the driveshaft and try to turn it back and fourth?

[superman_79065]

YEP....get under there with a flashlight and twist and turmn the driveshaft looking for slack at the u-joint. You'r rear-end might clunk a little while doing this, but focus on the joints. There shouldn't be any give at the joint, nor should there be fluid or grease around the joint. If you're jacking the truck up to do this, be sure you have plenty of medical and life insurance.

[PROSPHOTO]

I hear this too, but haven't inspected it yet...maybee it's an '06 issue :duh:

I doubt you'll be able to check/feel the U-joints by hand...The best way to check it is to get under the truck and watch the driveshaft while someone else is inside shifting (w/the parking brake on) from D to R

If you can't tell visually, but hear the "clunk" while checking, try to isolate the location that the clunk is coming from (driveshaft, T-case, Tranny, rear) :undecided

[superman_79065]

I hear this too, but haven't inspected it yet...maybee it's an '06 issue :duh:

I doubt you'll be able to check/feel the U-joints by hand...The best way to check it is to get under the truck and watch the driveshaft while someone else is inside shifting (w/the parking brake on) from D to R

If you can't tell visually, but hear the "clunk" while checking, try to isolate the location that the clunk is coming from (driveshaft, T-case, Tranny, rear) :undecided


Again, perform this procedure with plenty of insurance.....or make your friend get under the truck and you shift....hahaha

[Spong]

What if I put the rear end on jack stands and then put the truck in gear, run it up to 100 and set the cruise? :rotfl: Then reach inside, turn the switch to 4 Hi and then stand back. :dielaugh:

[superman_79065]

That sounds like an excellent plan. My charge for rebuilding garage walls is quite cheap.:)

Seriously though, everyone PLEASE be careful when jacking up your vehicles and working on them! The tire changing jack under your seat is NOT sufficient for these operations. Spend the 40 bucks and get a decent floor jack, some jack stands, and some wheel scotches.

[Spong]

Seriously though, everyone PLEASE be careful when jacking up your vehicles and working on them! The tire changing jack under your seat is NOT sufficient for these operations. Spend the 40 bucks and get a decent floor jack, some jack stands, and some wheel scotches.

:D:D:D

http://images25.fotki.com/v900/photos/4/41590/3295654/DSC06316-vi.jpg
http://images25.fotki.com/v886/photos/4/41590/3295654/DSC06313-vi.jpg


My neighbors think I'm crazy. :rotfl:

[superman_79065]

one man's crazy is another man's OCD


is this how you commonly wash your undercarriage? is this like a weekly ritual? Because if so, you ARE crazy.....hahaha

[Spong]

one man's crazy is another man's OCD


is this how you commonly wash your undercarriage? is this like a weekly ritual? Because if so, you ARE crazy.....hahaha


LOL, No I usually do a full wheels off powerwashing once a year in the spring/early summer. I do however powerwash the undercarriage (wheels on) a few times a year.

Dirt is my enemy! :D

[superman_79065]

ahhh I see..not so crazy then
:thumbsup:

[Spong]

I don't want to get caught with a dirty bottom :nono:

[Spong]

Update

So The TB is at the dealer getting several things looked at. One of them is the clunking U-joints. So the dealer e-mails me today saying what all they fixed etc etc and said the clunk noise is normal. My response is essentially "Bullsh*t" look again. So he e-mails me back this bulletin


Document ID# 1973942

Subject:Information on 2-3 Upshift or 3-2 Downshift Clunk Noise #01-07-30-042E - (05/21/2007)


Models:2008 and Prior Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks
2003-2008 HUMMER H2
2006-2008 HUMMER H3
2005-2008 Saab 9-7X
with 4L60-E, 4L65-E or 4L70-E Automatic Transmission (RPOs M30, M32, M70)



This bulletin is being revised to add the 2008 model year and 4L70E transmissions. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-07-30-042D (Section 07 - Transmission/Transaxle).
Important: For 2005 model year fullsize utilities and pickups, refer to Corporate Bulletin 05-07-30-012.
Some vehicles may exhibit a clunk noise that can be heard on a 2-3 upshift or a 3-2 downshift.
During a 2-3 upshift, the 2-4 band is released and the 3-4 clutch is applied. The timing of this shift can cause a momentary torque reversal of the output shaft that results in a clunk noise. This same torque reversal can also occur on a 3-2 downshift when the 3-4 clutch is released and the 2-4 band applied. This condition may be worse on a 4-wheel drive vehicle due to the additional tolerances in the transfer case.
This is a normal condition. No repairs should be attempted.


I wrote back and said it's no wonder people don't want to buy GM's sh*t! :hissy: I'm going to escalate this up the ladder. I'm not accepting that a $37k vehicle should sound like this. :mad:

[DrumMedic965]

What if I put the rear end on jack stands and then put the truck in gear, run it up to 100 and set the cruise? :rotfl: :dielaugh:

Bueller ... Bueller ... Bueller ...

[dragontoy22r]

Yeah, I feel ya. I just recently bought my 05' TB and I immediately experienced vibration on the freeway. They tried telling me that it's because I have 22's and that not all rims larger than 20's are perfect and can never be properly balanced. Ya, der da der, ok! Now as I approach the end of my 30 day bumper to bumper I'm being very critical. Honestly though, the little humming from the power steering and the vibration at my feet from what I think is a u-joint, seem to be my only problems. I hate the dealerships - always trying to get outta sh*t!

[Nukedog]

Same transmission "clunk" as previously noted on 2000 to 2003 $l60 equipped Silveradoes.

It was a tailshaft issue with them but onlymade noise - never hurt anything.

Umm...$37K...Umm...

[Spong]

Same transmission "clunk" as previously noted on 2000 to 2003 $l60 equipped Silveradoes.

It was a tailshaft issue with them but onlymade noise - never hurt anything.

Umm...$37K...Umm...


Whether it hurts anything or not, it's still unacceptable. So what happens if I want to sell it down the road and the perspective buyer hears the noise while driving it? I should tell them "Oh don't worry about it sounding like the f-n driveshaft is about to fall off, GM assures me it's normal" :rolleyes:

$36,890 pardon me

[rmac694203]

I notice it when going down the street slowly w/ no throttle and I give it just a slight amount of throttle for a second.

[Spong]

I notice it when going down the street slowly w/ no throttle and I give it just a slight amount of throttle for a second.

Yep, driving down my street 25-30 with no or light throttle when the tranny goes from 2nd to 3rd is when I hear it. Under load I don't hear it.

[Dave]

Too bad manufacturers are not required to post what is normal before you buy the car. This goes for all manufacturers. I felt like killing the rear axle in my 05 CTS V for all of its whining.

"Normal" problems on the Trailvoy seem to be the "bump" while you are stopped, the drive shaft clunk and air noise from the rear doors.

You can't always blame the dealer also since they must get repairs approved by the regional rep in some cases.

[Blazernut]

Yep, driving down my street 25-30 with no or light throttle when the tranny goes from 2nd to 3rd is when I hear it. Under load I don't hear it.

I have the same clunk thing. I guess it's their normal. However I am with Steve. If you want people to think they are buying quality then it has to sound like quality, look like quality, and perform like quality. Talk is cheap.:yes:

[swh50]

Has anybody successfully challenged GM on this deal? What a bunch of bull that they can't make a truck tranny that doesn't clunk on the 2-3 up and down shifts. I just got an 07 Rainier and this is very aggravating. This is the only GM tranny I have ever driven that does this. It is no wonder they are losing sales.

[Spong]

I've been thinking about taking mine in but now with all this BS about GM blaming tunes for problems, it makes me not want to. Granted my tune is a mild tune that probably couldn't cause any problems but you never know what BS the dealer will blame.