Clunking driveshaft

Recently noticed a clunking sound coming from the rear, Whenever I would accelerate or come to a fast stop, Sometimes even when I would reverse also. Finally got the time to get under the truck and see where it’s coming from. I believe it’s the drive shaft. Researched a little bit and seen a lot of people talking about u-joints or the zerk fittings. Going to take it to the dealership just wanted to see if anybody knew what it is?

 

If its clunking grease wont help

 

Park on a flat surface, jack up the diff and put in neutral. Jack stand it and go under and turn the shaft by hand. Is the u joint making noise or coming from inside the diff?

 

You could also crawl under it and see if there is any play in the carrier.

 

I get the clunk when the truck is just warming up and stopping the first time. I just assume it's the way the truck is. It only does it once...and only sometimes. If you're getting it all the time then it sounds like it needs to be looked at.

 

Mine clunks it’s a manual . Have take to the dealer no resolution to it . Was told can’t find anything wrong . Guess it’s just the characteristic of the truck . Toyota quality at its best ….. sigh …. Best of luck maybe you will have better luck and get a fix .

 

Why is everyone always dogging toyota quality yet still driving them?

 

Some just need to whine about something.

 

Yeah there's no shortage of that on here

 

Do you ever lube the driveshaft zerks?

 

Greasing the splines of the driveshaft won't help?

 

You have a two piece driveshaft, the clunk you hear is normal play in the driveline being taken up quickly and being amplified by the large hollow tubes of the driveshaft. This is normal. Everytime the driveshaft is unloaded and then put back under load this can happen. It will be more noticeable going from forward into reverse, or parked on a hill and then going up hill into gear.

 

Same here...exactly.

 

Same.

 

I haven't seen a grease zerk for the splines since my first gen IIRC.

 

Good thread here. Was wondering what that noise was. Only here it during shift from reverse/ drive. Good to know. Thanks!!!

 

+1 and usually only when it's cold as in under 40 F. Stops when warmed up.....

 

You don't need zerks in order to grease something lol.

 

you torque your u-bolts yet? also could be the ABS self-test

"
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) on your car is designed to conduct a self-test every time you crank the engine. During the test, the ABS light on the dash will turn on, and then should go out after a few seconds. The system is checking itself to ensure that everything is in working order. If the ABS light does not go out after a few seconds, you should have your car inspected immediately, as it indicates a problem.

Tips

• It’s normal to hear a clunking noise during the self-test.
  
  
• It’s possible that you’ll feel a pulsation in the brake pedal during the self-test. This is normal.
  
  
• If ABS isn’t working or has been disabled, you will still have normal braking capabilities.
  "

 

I checked the bolts before and they were torqued correctly. This is a deep clunk you can feel in your seat when it happens...and it only happens at my first stop. It also doesn't always happen...really seems to be on cold mornings. There is no dash light when it occurs and it is happening well after the described ABS test timeframe. Thanks for giving some tips on it though as I'd love to eliminate it!