Anybody ever replace differential bushings?

[fitzhue]

I have a loud clunk shifting from P->R->N->D on my 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee (4.7L V8). Some quick googling revealed it is likely the front differential bushings. Anybody have any experience replacing differential bushings on a Jeep (or any other vehicle)? I'm wondering how tough it is to get those suckers out.

Thanks.

 

[LTC8K6]

Not a U joint problem?

 

[slag]

Are they ball or sleeve?

 

[fitzhue]

Haven't thought about U-joints. I don't get any other vibration while driving. How would I check for that? Play in the driveshaft?

 

[fitzhue]

Are they ball or sleeve?

Apparently there are two of these:

http://www.quadratec.com/products/56015_0105.htm

on the front diff that need to be replaced.

 

[LTC8K6]

Haven't thought about U-joints. I don't get any other vibration while driving. How would I check for that? Play in the driveshaft?

Yep. Back in the day that clunk was nearly guaranteed to be the U-joints.

 

[fitzhue]

Yep. Back in the day that clunk was nearly guaranteed to be the U-joints.

So basically with the vehicle on the ground, just try and move the drive shafts, and there shouldn't be any play? If so, u joints are bad?

 

[silicon]

I have a loud clunk shifting from P->R->N->D on my 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee (4.7L V8). Some quick googling revealed it is likely the front differential bushings. Anybody have any experience replacing differential bushings on a Jeep (or any other vehicle)? I'm wondering how tough it is to get those suckers out.

Thanks.

Your vehicle is a 4 wheel drive? does it happen when in 4 wheel drive only or only in 2 wheel drive? It could also be the ring and pinion gear set in the differential that is worn out.

 

[fitzhue]

Your vehicle is a 4 wheel drive? does it happen when in 4 wheel drive only or only in 2 wheel drive? It could also be the ring and pinion gear set in the differential that is worn out.

Its full time 4wd/awd with shiftable 4wd low. I feel like if it was the ring and pinion, I would be having a lot more issues, especially when turning, no?

 

[Scarpozzi]

Does it mostly clunk just when you put in gear?

Another possibility is the engine mounts themselves. You can have someone else hold the brake and shift while you listen. A lot of engine mounts are metal with rubber in-between them. They'll sometimes wear out and need to be replaced when the rubber bushing goes bad.... When you shift, the transmission goes under load and causes your hold engine to move slightly...then you hear a metal on metal noise. I've seen it before.

 

[jlee]

I replaced a diff bushing on my CTS-V. It can definitely cause clunking (as can motor mounts).

 

[silicon]

Its full time 4wd/awd with shiftable 4wd low. I feel like if it was the ring and pinion, I would be having a lot more issues, especially when turning, no?

yes you are right.

 

[LTC8K6]

So basically with the vehicle on the ground, just try and move the drive shafts, and there shouldn't be any play? If so, u joints are bad?

Pretty much. I guess you might as well check that.