Clicking during hard acceleration = rear U-joint joint locked up

SOLUTION: rear U-joint locked up, covered under warranty enhancement.
Thanks everyone for your input!


I've searched, haven't found this problem stated anywhere. 2010 DCLB TRD Sport - 4.0, 137k, 285/75/16.

A couple weeks ago when towing I was on entrance ramp and needed to stomp it to get up to speed (up to 3,500-4,500 rpm or so) and heard a clicking sound from under the truck. Thought it was just a loose heat shield or something with the camper and didn't hear it again, although later the windows were closed. Today when doing a hard takeoff from rolling stop (no trailer) downshifted and took off and I heard 4-6 clicks (thought could be electronic and something trying to engage/disengage - ruled out). Truck responded fine and took off like it should with no otherwise abnormal shudder or jerking. Tried again from approx 20 mph, truck did what I would call a 'double downshift' and it occurred again. No lights, no indicators. Doesn't do it when parked when I run the RPM's up. I have Torque and OBD-II but don't think that'll give me anything real. May be able to access a Snap-On scanner through a buddy. (Originally wondered if it's something in the trans or somewhere else - ruled out)
Hoping not trans as the long trip, camping, towing trailer season is coming upon us.

Full disclosure - I generally tow a 22ft 3750# dry travel trailer a few thousand miles a summer, and do some personal plowing of 3-4 driveways throughout the winter. I monitor temps during these activities and nothing abnormal. Large aftermarket trans cooler (Long Tru-Cool 4590) is installed, all fluids generally done within range (diffs, etc) with Mobil 1. I don't generally beat it hard as it's my DD, but it does get some work throughout the year.

Seems to happen @ 3k-4k RPM - Driveshaft U-Joints?

Video here

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

Edit: Hopefully getting under it this evening to look at heatshields and tighten them all up to rule that out.

Edit: Ruled out something engaging/disengaging, and ruled out heatshields by tightening with washers.

 

If the tires were breaking loose, it could be the auto lsd kicking in, sometimes that sounds like a clicking noise

 

WOT will cause the AC to disengage until you lift.

Just a thought.

 

Turned it off. I know that noise well, and I didn't hear the computer respond on the passenger side like usual. Plus no beeping from the traction control. It was very audible.

 

Good to know. I know it was off, and pretty sure I didn't have it in defroster mode as it's only 70 or so in NY today.

 

I should also add - doesn't do it when parked when I run the RPM's up. **added to OP

 

Post updated - ruled out trans, ruled out heatshields, video added.

 

Morning bump for updated post and video added.

No one else has had this problem? Hoping to resolve it before big TW NE waterfall trip in 2 weeks

 

Do you do your own oil changes? Make sure you're not .5qt short, sometimes that makes the engine click under acceleration. In your video it's hard to tell the direction the sound is coming from. Last spark plug change?

 

Engine knock sounds like clicking. It happens on my truck when I goose it off the line when the engine is cold.

Sounds like this is happening under hard throttle and load situations which is when ping happens.

 

same happened to me, loud clicking while hard acceleration

u joint failed at diff

take the drive shaft off completely and check u joints for butter smooth movement in both directions. Any bind is a sign of worn out

 

Thanks guys for the suggestions!

Last oil change 3k ago, I'll check the level.
Last Sparks 38k ago at 100k - NGK. I'm due and plan to change them in the next few weeks .
I know it's hard to hear where it's coming from, but sounds more like mid to rear of the truck with Windows open, but you know how these things can trick you .

Good to know. Each time the engine has been pretty warm .I can't confirm what gas was in the tank each time, but at least the first time it was 91 non-ethanol. Not sure if gas is a factor re: ping .

Thanks, this is what I'm leaning towards. I have an appointment Fri AM to check. Maybe it'll fall under the warranty enhancement for driveshaft/u-joints.

 

Flex plate starting to get a crack in it maybe?

 

Its Ping.. takes a sec for the truck to adjust timing/afr so you get a little deto in the beginning.

Try running 91 with octane booster. (mine pings a little every now and then with 91 too)

 

Will try .Maybe I'll run some Seafoam through as well . Been a while since I've done that .

 

Sounds more like a rattle than an engine ping to me. Also I think I hear it, at a reduced level, when you decelerate.

ETA:
The second time is about 8 seconds into your recording.

 

I thought I could hear it too on deceleration. I'm going to have to find a way to get a better video under the truck. Wish I had a go-pro.

I'm gonna work through all the above suggestions to rule things out.....at some point....between work...baseball, etc .

 

Oil level good. 91+ octane booster no difference.
U-joints looked ok when jacked up, but didn't disconnect to feel. Maybe carrier bearing?
Sitting at stealership waiting for test ride. Let's see what's up.

 

you can keep guessing or start testing

 

Agreed, and that's why I'm now at the dealer. I don't have the time with family obligations to be sitting under it too long. Test ride - tech is thinking u-joints from squeak at low speed and putting on lift now.