Clunking noise when driving about 35 MPH?

Tiny
SKOOTER28
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 DODGE RAM
  • 5.7L
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
Hear a clunking noise when going about 35 MPH and also a vibration in the tires and a pull but checked the outer tie rod there’s play when you move the steering wheel in and out but there’s also what looks it was leaking at the output shaft for the cv axle and what I feel and see looks like play in it but I don’t know if this is normal.
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Friday, October 4th, 2024 AT 6:39 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Thanks for the video, it helps. It is difficult to tell if the axle is bad, they do have play naturally and it seems to be okay but you never know until you take them part to check for wear or replace them. You said there is play in the steering wheel as well? I would raise the front of the truck and use a flashlight while a helper is moving the steering wheel back and forth a little bit while you look for play, I have marked the common places to look for this kind of problem.

Please check out this guide as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/popping-noise

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Saturday, October 5th, 2024 AT 12:51 PM
Tiny
SKOOTER28
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  • 98 POSTS
The shaft I’m holding doesn’t move when rotating the part where the clip is, but the other side is tight and moves together but also what concerns me is that the CV axle that slides on the output shaft has up and downplay and you can hear it and see it.
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Saturday, October 5th, 2024 AT 12:58 PM
Tiny
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But the other side the CV axle hasn’t worn like the driver side has but the where the axle slides on the output shaft has up and downplay it almost slid out but I do not know if that’s supposed to happen but I see on a lot of videos this seems to be an issue with this truck.
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Saturday, October 5th, 2024 AT 1:08 PM
Tiny
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This up and down play.
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Saturday, October 5th, 2024 AT 1:32 PM
Tiny
SKOOTER28
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  • 98 POSTS
Here it looks like it’s been leaking.
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Saturday, October 5th, 2024 AT 1:36 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, that is too much play, good find, here is how to change the CV axle out. Thanks for the videos they helped. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.
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Sunday, October 6th, 2024 AT 6:09 PM
Tiny
SKOOTER28
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I saw on these that the output shaft gets destroyed from rust both sides has this play on them.
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Sunday, October 6th, 2024 AT 6:13 PM
Tiny
SKOOTER28
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  • 98 POSTS
The CV axle has played but that up and down is coming from the output shaft I think all the rust and water has gotten into the splines like I’ve seen on videos of these and now it’s wearing down the CV axle shaft itself.
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Sunday, October 6th, 2024 AT 6:17 PM
Tiny
SKOOTER28
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  • 98 POSTS
But I know the dealer doesn’t sell these parts separately I don’t want to have to buy a whole front diff housing or whatever this thing is called.
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Sunday, October 6th, 2024 AT 6:20 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, they sell a stub axle, which can be pulled out much like the CV axle, here is how to do the job. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, October 7th, 2024 AT 8:42 AM
Tiny
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  • 98 POSTS
Is there any way to check the bearing that goes inside wheel? I guess it rides on or something.
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Monday, October 7th, 2024 AT 8:46 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, visually using a flashlight, look for scores or hot spots in the bearing surfaces.
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Monday, October 7th, 2024 AT 8:51 AM
Tiny
SKOOTER28
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Oh okay, thank you. I’ll get back with you if I run into a problem and I appreciate your time.
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Monday, October 7th, 2024 AT 8:53 AM

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