Ticking sound

[quinletc]

1976 CJ5 with AMC 232 i6 I6, T-150 , Dana 20 , AMC20 , Dana 30

When (and only when) decelerating with the clutch engaged and the jeep in gear, there is a ticking sound of indeterminate origin. The frequency of the ticking is nowhere near the RPMs, but it is proportional to the RPMs.

I know this is pretty vague, and I will try to have my son record the sound tonight, but does anyone have any idea what this might be? It's too slow to be anything I can think of - the fan or driveshaft slapping something as it goes around.

Could it be something inside the Transmission ? Or Transfer Case ? They work fine.

 

[Dphillip]

A u-joint will tick if it's going out but I would think more likely when it's under load not decelerating? Is the ticking definitely coming from the drive train or could it be coming from one of the wheel bearings or brake components?

 

[Hedgehog]

Brakes will tick........

 

[hdgapeach]

Brakes will tick........

That's what I was thinking; Clacking brakes - especially if the rotors are a little warped.

Check the tires for nails! A nail or screw head will "tick" everytime it hits the pavement, until it wears off.

 

[HackFabrication]

A u-joint will tick if it's going out but I would think more likely when it's under load not decelerating?

I was also thinking u-joint. I've been through a couple of them on my 2002 Chevy Blazer. And it's most noticeable at lower speeds. Especially if you can drive the vehicle down a quiet alley where the noise will bounce off the buildings.

Get under the vehicle and wiggle the driveshaft.

 

[quinletc]

I was also thinking u-joint. I've been through a couple of them on my 2002 Chevy Blazer. And it's most noticeable at lower speeds. Especially if you can drive the vehicle down a quiet alley where the noise will bounce off the buildings.

Get under the vehicle and wiggle the driveshaft.

I'll try that, but I don't think it's a U-joint. I just had the drive shafts disconnected to take the tranny out, and I didn't notice any slop or rattle in the shafts.

Didn't get a recording last night, and now the starter is dead. Will replace that tonight, I hope. Any thoughts on the Duralast "premium reman" starters from AutoZone? They have a lifetime guarantee, and AZ is headquartered here in Memphis.

 

[Torxhead]

I think Autozones Duralast products are pretty good along with a good warranty. I would suggest making sure your starter is good by taking it down to az and having them or another shop test it for you as there are a few other things down the line that can prevent the starter from turning over,

 

[Belizean]

I would say the AZ warranty is pretty good. It is the parts that aren't always good. I have the lifetime warranty on a couple of things. They have given me 16-18 radiators over the life of my jeep. Let's just say I'm pretty good at changing them in and out. I think when I finally get my rebuilt engine installed I might go with a nice aluminum one and see how that works

 

[quinletc]

I think Autozones Duralast products are pretty good along with a good warranty. I would suggest making sure your starter is good by taking it down to az and having them or another shop test it for you as there are a few other things down the line that can prevent the starter from turning over,

Good advice. As it turns out, the starter was in fact the problem. Put it on the tester at AZ, and it was 100% DOA.

Got the new Duralast with the lifetime warranty, and, so far, it works great. If it craps out, I'll return it for another one. Not many things so easy to change out as the starter motor.

 

[Torxhead]

Good to hear, even better if that starter was original and it lasted this long.

 

[quinletc]

Below is (I hope) a short video clip. There's a good deal of road and wind noise, but you can hear the clicking in the background as the Jeep slows down:

IMG_3937 by Thomas, on Flickr

 

[Hedgehog]

I recognize that sound .... It sounded a lot like a jeep to me. Sorry can't help more.

 

[quinletc]

I recognize that sound .... It sounded a lot like a jeep to me. Sorry can't help more.

Don't be sorry. If that's a normal sound and nothing to be worried about, I am all for that.

 

[Hedgehog]

Your video is a little to short to make any real practical thoughts on what might be making an odd noise. For a better representation of the potential problem you need to do several in, on and around your CJ.

 

[quinletc]

For a better representation of the potential problem you need to do several in, on and around your CJ.

Well, that presents a problem, since the jeep has to be moving for the sound to make an appearance. Don't think I want to be "on" it while moving, and "around" would be a fly-by at best.

 

[Hedgehog]

I hear that "Selfy Sticks" are very versatile. ITs difficult to hear a problem when you aren't there and mic's can be selective in the sounds they hear. Your "ticking" might be bad, but I can't really hear it in the recording.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

First-Make sure ALL of your intake and exhaust manifold bolts are 'TITE'.
Make sure where the exhaust manifold bolts to the main 'downpipe' is tight and not cracked.
PLZ- put up a longer sound vid.
LG

 

[quinletc]

I hear that "Selfy Sticks" are very versatile. ITs difficult to hear a problem when you aren't there and mic's can be selective in the sounds they hear. Your "ticking" might be bad, but I can't really hear it in the recording.

Selfie Stick... good idea. Will give that a go.

 

[quinletc]

First-Make sure ALL of your intake and exhaust manifold bolts are 'TITE'.
Make sure where the exhaust manifold bolts to the main 'downpipe' is tight and not cracked.
PLZ- put up a longer sound vid.
LG

Pretty sure it's not a manifold issue, but still definitely something to check.

What would be likely to be cracked, the manifold or the downpipe?

Yeah, I know a longer video is needed. Will work on it when I have a passenger.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Usually, the downpipe cracks at the manifold clamp.
Also CK all of the 'piping' connected to the exhaust system.
How steady of a vacuum reading do you have at idle?
LG