wishmaster22

I need some help please. I have a 94 4runner and when i start to take off It is hesitant (sorta like being in a pothole) and i hear a kinda crunching noise for a couple of seconds and thats it. After every stop and take off it does this. Let me tell ya this sucks in the snow! I looked at my rear brakes to see if anything might be binding. I am now wondering if it is some type of slack in the drivetrain...maybe u joints? I checked the rear end gear oil and it was a half quart low. but it is still doing it after i added fluid. It just started this lately. within a couple of days. Any Ideas would be appreciated. Is there a way to check if your u joints are going bad?

Thanks

leebee

you can get an idea of how the u joints are holding up by grabbing the drive shaft and twisting it back and forth while watching the u joints. if you feel or see any play in the u joints themselves, its probably time to change them out.

lee

wishmaster22

I added some more transmission fluid about a 1/2 quart. I see no drips are any leaks...where can it be going? Also I mainly hear the noise when I shift into reverse...Its like a clicking. Sometimes it does make a low click with shifting from reverse to drive. Think it might be the transmission or the rear differenital?

wishmaster22

Lee u are correct my rear u joints are bad . I stopped and picked up 4 new ones and want to change them all. But I have no idea on how to do them. If anyone has information on the procedure,and tools needed , please post a link. Hopefully one that has pics of the process.

wishmaster22

Okay go the driveshaft off . Having problems getting the u joints out. First of all I do not see any clips. Is it possible that this is correct and there are no clips. The replacements came with 3 clips. So I have no vice or c clamps, can I still somehow get this done?

wishmaster22

Well....I got it done at last. Rented a Ujoint tool and still had to take a grinder to on side and cut the caps off! What a mess! But that is what was making the noise.

I have to say hats off to all mechanics...takes a lot to keep from cussing LOUD! LOL!