1994 GMC S-15 Jimmy – front drive "clunk"
Question:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Tech said idler arm was worn enough to need replaced right away, > so had that done. This weekend went on 400 mi trip. Noticed single > "clunk" sound from front end (more heard than felt) several (maybe > 3) times while backing up (and maybe turning wheel slight > left)(not every time). Only mention by Tech re front drive was a > slight leak from left side axle seal on diff. Enough to make diff > wet, not enough to leave spot in drive. After 2nd clunk, I did > take a quick look at steering, diff, axles etc. Nothing obvious. > Is this clunk symptom at all common ?? Known cause ?? What to look > for ?? > TIA, Reed > Hi, I just got my 91 Jimmy to be checked because it had the symptom you > describe. It got aligned 2000Km ago and I knew the ball joints were OK. > It appears that the tech did not tighten the camber alignment nut > properly. The control arm was moving in and out and was creating a > "clunk" when backing up in driveway. We tighten the nut and checked both > sides… they were not properly tighten but only one of them got loose. > I’m due for another alignment now. > — > Eaulive,
Just went out and checked. Exactly right ! The right front is obviously not tight. Can see space between brackets and bushings, also compared to other side. Thank you for the tip. Looks like I’ll have to have a stiff word with the shop that did the work. Regards, Reed
Response:
Tech said idler arm was worn enough to need replaced right away, so had that done. This weekend went on 400 mi trip. Noticed single "clunk" sound from front end (more heard than felt) several (maybe 3) times while backing up (and maybe turning wheel slight left)(not every time). Only mention by Tech re front drive was a slight leak from left side axle seal on diff. Enough to make diff wet, not enough to leave spot in drive. After 2nd clunk, I did take a quick look at steering, diff, axles etc. Nothing obvious. Is this clunk symptom at all common ?? Known cause ?? What to look for ?? TIA, Reed
Response:
> Tech said idler arm was worn enough to need replaced right away, > so had that done. This weekend went on 400 mi trip. Noticed single > "clunk" sound from front end (more heard than felt) several (maybe > 3) times while backing up (and maybe turning wheel slight > left)(not every time). Only mention by Tech re front drive was a > slight leak from left side axle seal on diff. Enough to make diff > wet, not enough to leave spot in drive. After 2nd clunk, I did > take a quick look at steering, diff, axles etc. Nothing obvious. > Is this clunk symptom at all common ?? Known cause ?? What to look > for ?? > TIA, Reed
Hi, I just got my 91 Jimmy to be checked because it had the symptom you describe. It got aligned 2000Km ago and I knew the ball joints were OK. It appears that the tech did not tighten the camber alignment nut properly. The control arm was moving in and out and was creating a "clunk" when backing up in driveway. We tighten the nut and checked both sides… they were not properly tighten but only one of them got loose. I’m due for another alignment now. — Eaulive,
