I was told by one mechanic that it is my rear end that is going & i have been told by another mechanic that it was the universal joint? How can 2 different mechanics have different opinions. So which mechanic is right? Is there any way i can find out for sure what the clunking sound would be.
A u-joint that is going out is usually accompanied by a vibration when you reach speeds above 40 mph while a rear end is not.
Each mechanic can reach to their conclusion by how the ask questions and listening to your response. Ultamately, the one who puts it on the lift and checks it out by twisting the drive shaft will give you the correct answer.
Take it to the mechanic that will put it on the lift and investigate. That’s the only way you can find out for sure.
if the rear end is knocking or howling on the freeway, then yeah, its on the rear end;
if youre vehicle is not moving, and youre just shifting and it does that, it could be your transmission….
some places offer free diagnostics, so you might as well get a professional third opinion…
Set the parking brake and sure check the drive shaft for free movement. if it is in the rear end you will have free travel of .25 inches or more.
Just climb under vehicle and try to twist the driveshaft back and forth and watch for any play in the u joints. If they feel tight and you hear a clunk from the rear , guess what .
its the universal joint. if your driving and you hear a whinning soung then its the rear end. i should know, i have had both problems with different cars.
if it only clunks as you are shifting into gear it’s the u-joint. If it clunks as the car shifts when you are driving it’s the rearend.
Could be either one,but most likely it’s the u-joint.Take the u-joint out and look at the condition of the cups and needle bearings.