rattle on decelleration

[BIGGSIE]

This may be common but I don't know. 1G AWD has a rattle noise that seems to be coming from underneith (drive shaft/ trans/ x-fer case).
Only happens when slowing down in gear, AKA from 55-30 in 4th gear.
No noise an acceleration. I thought it was an exhaust rattle but the noise goes away when clutch is pushed in. Could it be u-joints?? If so are they replaceable??

Thanks in advanmce for any help.

 

[PhoenixRPR]

Noise goes away when the clutch is engaged during deceleration, this usually points to a tranny/transfer case issue. If you're sure its a metal-on-metal rattle sound it could just be a loose heat shield somewhere along with exhaust piping (there's a lot). One time I saw my exhaust shielding slapping against the driveshaft, so check everything out under there for simple fixes like that first. If it's not any heat shields or interference under there, get the car on a lift and have someone drive it while you're under there (best solution). Ever gotten your transfer case replaced?

 

[BIGGSIE]

Yes I bought the car with a broken transmission case, it's a 90' and I had a 91' parts car so I took the 91' trans and changed the spline shaft to fit the 90' x-fer case. All went well as far as I know. It clunks a little when shifting but I think it's normal. Do you know if the u-joints are replaceable?? What about the carrier bearings for the driveshaft??
When I swapped the spline shaft I noticed some loosness I didn't think anything of it till now. Is there supposed to be two balls to hold the shaft in place??


Thanks again

 

[PhoenixRPR]

Ok, to be perfectly honest, I doubt it's your u-joints or carrier bearings, especially since you mentioned the sound disappears when the clutch is engaged. The sound should remain if it were u-joints or carrier bearings. But yes, you're u-joints can be replaced and you're carrier bearings can be either filled with urethane to stiffen them up or replaced. The dealer sells the carrier bearings for $80.00 (too much) I believe. My suggestion is u ask GTM or Defiant about this problem, see if their advice coincides with mine, then proceed.

 

[leet]

Pull the end cover off the transmission, and inspect all the shaft bearings for damage.

I have a thread floating around the hangout somewhere, about my transmission failure.

 

[jumpman]

I'm pretty sure it is a heat shield based upon your description. I had a very similar problem with my 95 talon. I thought it may have been a clutch bearing at one time but I decided to check the exhaust system first.

And Phoenix is right, there is alot of heat shielding and it is only held on by a clip on each end. My recommendation is to put the car up on ramps and have somebody go under the hood and rev the engine and see where the rattle is.

Regards,
CMF