Clunking on acceleration only

2006 JEEP COMMANDER

170,000 MILES • 5.7L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

NATASHA A. JOHNSON

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This is a 5.7L Hemi with around 173,000 miles.
When I first start driving I will hear several loud clunks that get faster with (tire speed) acceleration. I only hear it when I push on the accelerator. I do not hear it passed twenty mph. It stops making the noise after I drive it a while or when it is wet (coincidence?) outside. I do not hear it over bumps or when I crank the wheel either direction.
Every once and a while I hear a squeaking at higher speeds that seems in time with the tire speed.
Not sure if this is related but I also smell a burning after I drive it a while. (Smells similar to a warn out belt)

Sep 5, 2018 at 2:43 PM

STRAILER

CERTIFIED EXPERT
53,854 POSTS

Hello,

This sounds like a typical drive shaft U joint that has gone bad. Here is what they look like and do and diagrams below to show you how to fix the problem on your car. Look for rust colored dust around the joint a sign it has gone bad.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-u-joints-work

You will need to remove the drive shaft.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-remove-a-drive-shaft

There is a flex coupler at the front of the shaft that needs to be looked at as well. If you see the rust colored dust take the shaft to an auto parts store there than can replace the U joint for you. You might need to jack the car up using jack stands.

Check out the diagrams (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken

Images (Click to enlarge)

Sep 7, 2018 at 11:36 AM