Driveshaft Clanking Sound

[DeucesWild11]

OK, I have figured out the hard part, where the sound is coming from. When I turn the driveshaft quickly by hand I get a clank sound where the inner tube of the driveshaft it tapping against the outer tube. Only happens in low speeds when starting off or going from forward to reverse. I assume there is some kind of a bushing that came loose inside? Is this OK and safe, just annoying or ready to fail? Anyone else have this?

Oh and it's the rear long driveshaft..

 

[wreckerman893]

Any noise that has to do with rotating parts should be completely run to ground. Failure at high speed usually results in collateral damage.

 

[DeucesWild11]

So whats the solution? New Driveshaft?

High Speed, that is kind of funny though..

 

[m16ty]

Are you talking about slack in the splines of the slip yoke? If so, you probably do need a new driveshaft. I'd at least pull it apart to see what the splines look like.

Are you sure that's where the slack is coming from and not a bad u-joint?

 

[rosco]

Check all the U-joints. Could be blown U-joint cross. Get under there and grab the drive line real close to the U-joint, and see if there is any lateral play. If so, (as in ANY), change out the cross. Also, check out the spline joint, the same way. A little there, is OK. Keep us posted.

 

[hndrsonj]

Also check for loose bolts.

 

[rustystud]

Are you sure it's not in the gear box ? or differentials ? Gear backlash can sound like clanking when your turning the driveshafts. If you can see a visible amount of movement between the drive shaft and end shaft then you need a new driveline. The splines are shot. If what your experiencing is gear noise, then you need to check to see if you have the proper backlash. If the backlash is over spec. then you could have bad bearings, or bad gears, or a few other things, depending if it's the tranny or differentials.

 

[DeucesWild11]

I was literally under the truck and turned the drum for the parking brake and the clink/clank definitely came from inside the drive shaft. As soon as I put my hand on the driveshaft and did it again I could feel the inner rod hitting against the outer part of the driveshaft. I took a video, I'll try and post up.

When she drives it's fine no vibration or anything and everything is tight up underneath.

 

[DeucesWild11]

Here is the video let me know what you think..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atKCswqw3Ww

 

[wreckerman893]

A small piece of metal could have broken off and be rattling around inside.

 

[DeucesWild11]

I think it's the rod or shaft that is inside the drive shaft, I wish I could see a cut-away from one but from looking on other sites I believe the inner shaft is held in place with rubber bushings, perhaps one or more of those failed which is allowing the inner shaft to be a little loose and when torque is applied it moves a little creating the ping sound against the inner part of the outer shaft. If it were something loose and broken off it would rattle around all the time.. I think.

 

[jbayer]

There's a rod or shaft inside your drive shaft?
Mine are hollow tubes, with a yoke welded on on end, and a male spline welded on other

 

[Jeepsinker]

If you are unsure, the best and safest option is to pull it out and bring it to a driveshaft shop for inspection and repair. It could (and probably will) save you money in the long run.

 

[DeucesWild11]

Good tip, thanks Jeepsinker. Perhaps I'll drive it over to one and show them what I am taking about. So long as they are close by.

 

[Jeepsinker]

Just be careful. Have you ever seen what happens when a driveshaft comes apart running down the road? Even at relatively low speeds it can and usually does destroy the transfer case, floor pan ( bottom of deuce bed) air tanks, parking brake assembly, could get the fuel tank, and could crack the third member housing on the differential. These driveshafts have a lot of rotating mass and are downright mean when they come apart.

 

[NDT]

That sound is coming from the parking brake drum. The driveshaft is hollow, there is nothing inside.

 

[DeucesWild11]

I see what you mean, will probably have to take it off then.. Thanks again

 

[DeucesWild11]

NDT, I'll check again but when I put my hand on the driveshaft and make the sound again it's hitting the palm of my hand, whatever is in there.

 

[Flyingvan911]

I say remove the driveshaft. If the driveshaft still makes noise, done. If turning the parking brake drum makes noise, then it's narrowed down some.

 

[DeucesWild11]

Good idea!