Beating a Dead Horse: Drivetrain Clunk

goofytim · 12-24-2005, 06:28 PM

I did a search and could not find any definitive answer as to whether the clunk that I am hearing is normal, or if it is a sign of impending failure. When I first crank my truck, put it in drive, and drive maybe fifty feet I hear a clunk from what I believe is the drivetrain. Well last night when I got home, I backed in the driveway like normal, then placed my truck in drive. LOUD Clunk. I moved forward a little, then went to reverse. Another loud clunk. I did this three or four times with the same results. I do have an 2004 XE CC with an April2004 build date. I do not have the Big Tow or the Off-road Package. I have <11K Miles on my baby, and have been fortunate enough to not have the brake judder yet. I am hoping for it, as I am tired of the break dust on my tires. I have maybe hauled two full bed of rocks a total of 200yards, and a load of lumber to build a swing set. No towing has been done with my truck. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

scr38 · 12-24-2005, 06:38 PM

Some owners that had a clunk found that the transmission mount bolts were very loose, or even gone. Check your rear transmission mount.

timstitan · 12-24-2005, 06:58 PM

According to my dealer, drivetrain clunk is normal in the Titans. In fact all vehicles have this type of noise.

What losers, stay away from Far East Nissan in Hickory, NC.

goofytim · 12-26-2005, 01:26 PM

Thanks scr38. I originally thought that surely the dealer would have found this problem during the oil change, but then I read a post where someone took their Titan for the clunk, and their dealer did not notice this problem. All that being said, I did not find any loose or missing bolts on the underside of my drivetrain. I also chacked the springs and shocks, nothing. The spare tire is secure and not moving. I also do not have the utili-trac, so that is not the culprit. Any further thoughts. Thanks everyone for your assistance.

scr38 · 12-26-2005, 01:36 PM

Its not likely, but you could have a bad U joint. That will sure cause a clunk exactly as you describe.

Mr. B · 12-26-2005, 01:41 PM

Have your wife hang on to the bottom of your truck while you drive around and then have her pin-point the location of the clunk.

goofytim · 12-26-2005, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. B

Have your wife hang on to the bottom of your truck while you drive around and then have her pin-point the location of the clunk.

Is it best to try this at highway speeds?

Mr. B · 12-26-2005, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goofytim

Is it best to try this at highway speeds?

That is paportionally based on the lenght of the marrage.

firefighter4usn · 12-26-2005, 03:22 PM

Mine started making just a few clicking noises when I backed my truck into the drive way.... and took it to nissan and they said it was the u joints... so they ordered a new drive shaft with the u joints already on the ends... and before the part came in, my whole rear end was gone..... truck would not go anywhere in 2 wheel drive... good luck

travism · 12-27-2005, 05:57 AM

Goofy, I have the noise when first starting out as you describe. I assume it is this:
Noise at 10mph

As to the other clunks, I don't know. Is it the same noise as when just starting out?

goofytim · 12-27-2005, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travism

Goofy, I have the noise when first starting out as you describe. I assume it is this:
Noise at 10mph

This could explain one of the clunks. Thanks travism.

Now I just need to figure out the other clunks. I have made an appointment with my service department, so hopefully they will have some answers

: Thanks everyone.

Bobbyo · 12-27-2005, 07:02 AM

Took my 04 4x4 BT OR CC in for the clunk noise 12-26-04, when going from neutral to reverse, also for freezing door handles.
Dealer said the clunk sound was normal, funny thing is did not have clunk 6 months ago. The rear checks out a-ok.
Parts on order for the freezing door handles.

goofytim · 01-01-2006, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobbyo

Took my 04 4x4 BT OR CC in for the clunk noise 12-26-04, when going from neutral to reverse, also for freezing door handles.
Dealer said the clunk sound was normal, funny thing is did not have clunk 6 months ago. The rear checks out a-ok.
Parts on order for the freezing door handles.

Yep, My stealer told me the same thing. Something about the gears catching and making the clunk sound when they catch. I said that I had never heard it that loud before, and he told me it was because the driveshaft is so BIG. I guess I will have to live with it, and hope that my rear end does not go out the day after the warranty does.