CLUNK, when making a turn?

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ON THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT OR AXLE, IT GOES HERE.
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LaGrasta
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CLUNK, when making a turn?

Post by LaGrasta »

When making a turn, I hear a clink in the rear axle, suggestions? Gears, bearings, etc?
1998 Astro, 246,000 miles

K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box
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LaGrasta
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Re: CLUNK, when making a turn?

Post by LaGrasta »

I looked back through my receipts and see about 50k ago, when I had a shop swap my ring and pinion, they recommended a new right axle. I said "no". Honestly, I didn't believe them, guess I should have. I guess it needed replaced and some bearings too. UGH!

Thinking more about this, an axle is cheap enough, and I won't need to mess with the center section so not to bad as long as I can pull the axle and swap the axle bearings myself. I'm up for this, anyone want to swing by to supervise (Mission Viejo, CA)?
1998 Astro, 246,000 miles

K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box
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Re: CLUNK, when making a turn?

Post by Herbie »

LaGrasta wrote:I looked back through my receipts and see about 50k ago, when I had a shop swap my ring and pinion, they recommended a new right axle. I said "no". Honestly, I didn't believe them, guess I should have. I guess it needed replaced and some bearings too. UGH!

Thinking more about this, an axle is cheap enough, and I won't need to mess with the center section so not to bad as long as I can pull the axle and swap the axle bearings myself. I'm up for this, anyone want to swing by to supervise (Mission Viejo, CA)?
I'm no expert, but I'd say if you got another 50k with only a "clunk", you probably made the right decision!
"My minivan is cooler than your bro-truck"
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Re: CLUNK, when making a turn?

Post by LaGrasta »

50k, maybe so. We bought this new in '98, and it's always been my goal to reach 300k. We've had a few repairs along the way, to be expected, but we're at 220k and see no reason why we can't hit 300k. Honestly, this thing runs super quiet and is reliable in every respect. Great purchase, no regrets.
1998 Astro, 246,000 miles

K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box

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Re: CLUNK, when making a turn?

Post by Captn. Crunch »

Simple job! Remove rear diff cover. Drain fluid. Remove bolt and spacer block. Push axle in-remove c clip- remove axle. That’s all you need to do inside the diff. Outer axle bearing is easy. Bearing race and seal a little tougher. With the right puller for the race and seal you can do this job sitting on your butt in the nice Cali sun in an hour or two. Oiling your new axle will help you to not nick the new seal you just put in. Don’t let the weight of the axle slide on the seal.
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Re: CLUNK, when making a turn?

Post by LaGrasta »

Thanks Crunch, that helps.
1998 Astro, 246,000 miles

K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box
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