Transcase Continous Clanking at Low Speeds

[bigtower2003]

Let me start by letting you know I am newbie to this forum and appreciate you taking the time to review this post.

I am having an issue with my 2003 Expedition XLT and I am not finding anyone else with this issue online. When I drive at low speeds I hear a continuous clanking noise coming from under the car.

I lifted the back and ran the tires in 2WD and when I apply the brakes I can clearly hear the clanking coming from the transfer case, or somewhere around it. Not being sure if it was related, I had the U joints replaced and the transfer case spindle greased as I read those are the causes of a lot of clunking issues with this car. That did not work.

Any ideas what this could be, is my transfer case shot?

Here is some additional information:

- 6 months ago I had the transmission fluid changed at the dealership
- I am not getting an slippage when driving forward and reverse
- 4WD Hi and Lo engage and disengage normally
- Only starts when driving between 0 and 10mph, anything above that and the noise goes away.
- The noise is continuous and does not stop until the car comes to a full stop.
- Over the summer I replaced all four hub assemblies so those are fairly new.

Any help is greatly appreciated, I am stumped.

 

[stamp11127]

You may want to get underneath it while it is jackstands and make sure all the bolts in the u joint caps are tight along with the yokes.
You can also use a broom stick and listen to the transfer case while it is running while still on the stands.

 

[FX4FOUR]

having the same problem, someone here must have a clue, reaal tinny clanking, even on idle, read something about an " anti rattle clip" recall, but dead end.... went under and traced it to the flywheel/converter area. Almost sounds like a loose converter on a flex plate, however checked that by spinning the flexplate and the converter with a lever in the inspection hole. Both solid.

The only thing I can think of is maybe there is something inside the pump that is clacking around ??? maybe some input and the mystery noise can be solved ....

 

[bigtower2003]

thanks for your insight stamp 11127, i checked the u joints and they all still have their caps and retainer washers. Today i noticed something different about the noise, it only clacks when driving in a straight line. when im drving really slow and turn the wheel while maintaining the same speed the noise stops and returns when i straighten out the wheel.

any ideas?

 

[bigtower2003]

Due to the bone chilling cold and snow/ice here in the northeast I gave up on and took the truck in to Aamco. The good news is the noise was coming from the front drive shaft U Joints. They replaced and the car is running good.