Clickity clack noise

[rascole]

Have been dealing with a clickity clack noise for about a year. It has been progressively getting worse. The noise is only there when in Hi or Lo Lock when steering is more than 1/4 turned. Everyone said it is the RCVs, "they always click when they age", hence the reason for the excessive amount of grease on the boots. I've gone through a full tube since last year on the RCVs alone. Last year was definitely the hardest year I have been on the H3, and the wear is starting to show, in a good way. The ADD in me got the better of me and grabbed the action cam and started filming because I was convinced it wasn't the RCVs. With no clear answer, I figured I would swap out the TC with my spare and start there. Well, 15 minutes into the swap I found my answer, front u-joint was trashed. It was a hard 5 years on it, and yes, it was greased every year before BSW, but apparently not enough. I figured I would try the Spicer greaseless version, and it should be back on the road this weekend.

 

[alrock]

That'll do it! Good detective work.

 

[rascole]

Ugh. Well, to my dismay, the broken U joint was NOT the problem. After replacing the joint, the clickety clack remains. Can only be one thing, RCV joints are toast. The fun part starts next weekend, tearing the axles apart. RCV's are known to be a huge PITA to remove and install. Let's hope the lifetime warranty is as good as they say.