AMC 20 Question

[MarkVMod0]

Have a 76 CJ5 and noticed a clacking sound coming from the right rear wheel, then heard a loud popping sound but only on tight left hand turns.

Paying closer attention I also noticed that when I abruptly let my foot off the pedal (at highway speeds) the little CJ would do a little jig. To me it felt like she would grab with the left then jerk right.


I haven't put her up on jacks yet; to busy doing other repairs.


I have searched the forum and come to the conclusion that it could be bearings, could be axle shaft is toast.


Before I dive in I wanted to get the members opinion

 

[hole]

How long have you owned your 5? Could it have a locker? Mine makes a bit of noise and shimmies a bit too, but I have a locker.

 

[gert]

I was thinking locker as well, I had the lock right locker in mine years ago and that was fun lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Did it just start doing this?
LG

 

[CJ]

Sure does sound like a Detroit.

 

[MarkVMod0]

I have only had the CJ for a few weeks and it has done the clacking noise and shimmy ever since day one.

I'll dive under and see if I can find ant identifying marks on the differential.

Really appreciate the feedback.

 

[Posi]

Make sure the lug nuts are torqued properly
Get both rear tires off the ground
Turn one rear tire forward while watching the opposite rear tire
If they both turn in the same direction you have a locker and this most likely is your source of noise
If they both turn in different directions open the diff cover to inspect the gears

 

[Lumpy Grits]

You have 2-piece axles.
Make sure the center nut is still tight. Good pictures here-
amc 20 axle question | Jeep CJ Forums

IMHO-The 2 piece design was garbage. Look at Moser 1 piece axles.

LG

 

[mriplaybass]

Check the U bolts on the axle for proper torque. If the U bolts are loose, the axle can move and make all kinds of weird noises.