Went wheelin yesterday and spent today hunting down a strange random clicking sound coming from underneath the 4Runner.

I decided to check and see if the sound was coming from the rear diff so I put the rear axle up on jack stands put it in nuetral and spun the tires.

I didn't hear any clicking, however when i spun the rear tires the driveshaft would move, BUT middway during the spinning the driveshaft would stop spinning.

IS THIS NORMAL? Does it have to do with sometype of tension on the gears when I first spin them...

Still haven't located the clicking...

 

Sounds like you lost a tooth or two on the pinion gear. At least I think that's what it's called. But...what do I know. I still don;t undersatand how the diff works. And I woun;t until I have a chance to pull one apart and examine it. That's just the way my mind works.

 

it would stop spinning even as you continued to spin it or it would stop like a dead spot and start again?

 

I would spin the tire "like on wheel of fortune" and the driveshaft would spin as well...once the tire started slowing down the drive would stop spinning even though the tire would continue to spin for a few more revolutions.

I would spin the wheel again and it would do the same thing.

 

both tires would keep spinning in opposite directions once the drive shaft stopped, or just one tire would keep spinning?

Maybe a spider gear.

 

both tires would keep spinning in opposite directions.

 

then it sounds like a toof, my suggestion would be to pull the drain plug and see if you can see the ring gear teef with a small flatch light. then slowly spin the tire to rotate the ring gear and see if you see any carnage. you may actually find that when you drain the thing a toof might fall out or get stuck in the drain hole. pull the filler plug first though.

 

damn toofisis be fallen out...stoopit teef

 

I think with an open diff and both wheels off the ground that would be normal. Put one wheel down and spin the other - the shaft WILL turn and will not stop even if you tried to stop it.

I could be wrong, but I think I'm right on that.

 

try locking the locker and then spin the tires, this will eliminate any problems with the "spider gears" in the locker, if it still does it, then you probably chipped/broke a tooth on the ring gear, if not, you may have damaged your locker

 

mine use to do that too and i thought something was wrong because my jeep didnt do that...a locker will solve that problem

 

Another way to do what Phil said is if you've already got the wole rear on stands is to have someone hold one tire, you spin the other and the driveshaft should spin as long as you spin the one tire.... the joys of open diffs.

 

With an open diff, that would be normal. The only reason for the driveshaft to turn at all would be due to friction, it is a lot easier for the spider gears to turn (lower friction) that to turn the ring and pinion. It started out turning because your opposite tire required a significant amount of energy to start turning but once started it acted like a flywheel. If you have any reservations about the spider gears or whatnot being damaged, low one tire to the ground and then repeat the procedure. The driveshaft should spin continuously at this time.

 

who needs 'em?! apparently nobody in the Upstate area does.

 

common guys, just check the drain plug. You'll know if you chipped any teefs or not immediatly by the size of the metal particles stuck to the magnet. A thin film of metal "dust" is ok and just from normal use. If its not that make sure to lube all the driveshaft points, which you should do after every wheeling trip anyway.

 

ain't dat wutt I said up dare sonny?

 

had to run to the store.

I'm off to drain the diff and will report back. Wish me luck!

 

:bounce2: :bounce2: :bounce2: Good News! No metal on the plug and no metal in the oil.

Bad News: I still need to locate the click...I'll check the rear brakes tomorrow...and will engage the the locker to make sure it is still working.

As always...thanks everyone for your input!

 

make sure you have gear oil to fill it back up.

 

Check the universal joints in the drive shaft. Mine is bad and it is a clicking sound too. There are 3 in the rear drive shaft. Just move the shaft around and if it moves in the u-joint.