Bronco Clunks and rattles - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Bill Vetanen · 11-07-2003, 18:02

I have a 1989 full size Bronco with an automatic transmisson. When I shift from reverse to drive, I hear and feel a loud clunk. I have checked the universal joints and they seem O.K. From out side the Bronco the clunking noise seems to come from the rear of the vehicle or differential. Also, there is a rattle or knocking that seems to come from the right rear when going over even mild bumps, especially noticable going down hill. I'm looking for any helpful sugesstions as what to look at that will fix the noises.

Thanks,

Bill Vetanen

351w · 11-07-2003, 18:43

if you suspect the rear wheel is making the noise than i would check for a bad wheel bearing by jacking the truck up and seeing what kind of movement you might have front to rear or up and down.
also try an in and out motion to see what kind of end play you find.
everything should be tight and not move around.

'92BigBronco · 11-07-2003, 18:58

The Ford 8.8" rear ends are famous for axle end play and "clunking" when putting the tranny in gear. The clunk is usually just the combined play in the tranny, transfer case, and rear end. As long as there's not excessive backlash in the rear end, the tranny mount is ok, and the u-joints are fine, there's nothing to worry about.

It cost me $800 in parts for the ring, pinion, posi, spyders, shim kit, carrier bearings, and an install kit for a new rear end when I blew mine a year or so ago and haven't had any "clunking" issues since.

The noise you're hearing when going over mild bumps is most likely due to the axle end play. Jack your vehicle up and remove the wheel and drum on one side. Grab the axle flange and move it in and out. You'll feel the end play. All of the driveline shops I've talked to in the past say it's nothing to worry about but I agree it is a little irritating.

The radius arm bushings on the front end on the later model Bronco's with the Dana 44 IFS also go out, causing a clunking noise when going over bumps. It's easy to change in a couple of hours and will tighten things up.