Wierd noise

[Dr. Jimbo]

I get this wierd noise as I take off in 1st after going in reverse. It also happens when I back up after having gone forward. It's not quite a "clunk" or a "click" or a "pop". It sounds like when a ping-pong ball bounces off a table top one time. I liken it to the sound of a u-joint gone bad, but we ain't got u-joints. The boots look fine around the cv joints, the drive shaft isn't loose, wheels are on tight. The sound seems to eminate from the right rear.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Jimbo

[HELL_ON_WHEELS]

I have the same problem can't figure it out

I've taken it to a few places and it will not make the noise for them

[Java Junky]

Brake puck gettin' stuck in a direction that it's not familiar with n' freein' up when you go forward. Probably the sound'a the puck seatin' itself.
Be well.
Java

[Dr. Jimbo]

Thanks Java. I think it does it even if I don't apply the brakes. I'll check it out later when I get off work & let you know.

[Scott]

Sounds like perhaps a sway bar bushing or end link?

I have aftermarket sway bars, and they make clunking noises on occasion.

[Dr. Jimbo]

Well, it makes the sound even if I don't use the brakes (ie: coast to a stop in reverse then take off in 1st). I also noticed when I take off gently it doesn't do it. But when I give it some throttle it does it but only once. I guess it could be what you said, Scott. I saw on S2Ki someone described something similar and the suggestion was to grease and retorque the axle nut. I guess it's time to get a Helm manual, eh?
Jimbo

[Java Junky]

Okay, so much for my stuck-puck theory.
From what you're describin' Doc, yeah, I'd first think universal. But, rulin' that out, it sure sounds like slack bein' taken up in the power delivery. The axle nut's been the source'a kind'a similar (everybody's got their own take on how it sounds) sounds n' when attended to by folks in other posts, has usually solved the problem. If that's what it is.
Sway bar bushin's n' end links, like Scott suggested, r' easier to check so rulin' out the easy stuff before diggin' into the more involved is always the best way'da go when the source is a maybe.
But havin' a Helms on hand is never a bad idea no matter what your ride.
Be well n' please keep us posted. There, but for the grace'a God, n' all that.
Be well.
Java

[kaw21100]

are you talking about the noise the rear makes when you engage 1st or reverse? or another noise? ... I believe its just the rear gears meshing together from the small shock when your stopped of going into gear. thats just what I thought it was lol

[Dr. Jimbo]

Thanks Java, I'll check it out, startin' with the easier stuff.

Kaw, nope it's not the shifting into gear that does it, it's as soon as there is some "umph" in the drivetrain. If I drive like a little old lady, it doesn't do it. And it only does it once (ie: taking off in 1st, but not anymore as I shift my way up through the gears). But thanks for the input, I know the sound you speak of.

[MattG]

Yeah it sounds like the re-grease and torque axle nut as you have already found. This is a simple thing to do. Even if you take it down your local mechanic it should be a 5 min job.