When i put my 05 Dakota into 4wd, doesn't matter if its 4lock or 4low, it makes a loudish clicking noise. Its kinda like if you put a baseball card onto the spokes of a bicycle, the faster i go then the more the noise occurs. It doesnt matter if i am turning or not. The four wheel part still works, but there's the noise. I just want to get it fixed before winter, because i don't want to drive with the clicking noise as it sounds like my truck is going to break down! I went underneath my truck and theres a little bit of play on the right CV axle when i push it up and down with my hands. The same happens with the front driveshaft. The left cv doesnt have any movement. Not sure what it exactly is. I dont want to pay for new cv axle if its not that. Thanks!

 

Anybody? Any opinions appreciated! Thanks!

 

I dont think it would be CV shafts, only because they are always spinning when the truck is moving, along with the front differential. I would be leaning towards the transfer case .... But you also shouldnt have that kind of movement with your CV shaft, so maybe when theres power applied to it, thats when you get the clicking.

 

From your description of the sounds, it appears that you do not have AWD, since the noise only occurs in 4WD. Although, the noise you describe sounds an awfully lot like a CV or U-Joint noise, it is also possible that you may have a front pinion bearing problem. These are difficult to diagnose by sound because noise travels in the drive train. If you have the extended warranty, you are probably getting close, so you should let the dealer have a look. To my knowledge all 2005 Daks had the 7/70 warranty. Check your differential fluid levels, and if low, use the correct product (front different from rear) for refill.

Mine ran out this week, but I had to have the entire front differential replaced last year because of front end noises, which the dealer said was caused by the pinion and wheel bearings . I think there is a TSB on the front end problems. If you are not under warranty, it will be cheaper to spend a few bucks to have it diagnosed, rather than to just start replacing things.

If you do need to replace the CV shaft(s), check with Kragen (O'Reilly, etc.). Their prices on new CV shafts for full size Chevys is about 1/3 the dealer price. Not sure about Dak shafts.