Clunking rear hub-axle lateral movement

[Scram1500]

Hello, first time poster, could not find a topic specific to my concern

There is lateral play (have not measured) left to right in both rear wheels. I can produce a clunk (sound and feel) in the hub/lug nut area by rocking the bed from left to right. I also jacked up the rear end, grabbed the tire on both sides and was able to make it clunk by pulling and pushing inward and outward. The clunk sound appears to come from the diff itself. I do not feel or hear clunking while driving, maybe at low speeds while turning into a bumpy parking lot but difficult to tell. Going to dealer next week for the first oil change, would like to be as informed as possible beforehand when I bring this up

Can anyone confirm if their truck does this or if this is normal?

 

[TruckDriver]

doesn't seem normal - hub / axle / gear lash in the diff is supposed to be tight/unmoving. Please update after your dealer visit

 

[RamCares]

Hello, first time poster, could not find a topic specific to my concern

There is lateral play (have not measured) left to right in both rear wheels. I can produce a clunk (sound and feel) in the hub/lug nut area by rocking the bed from left to right. I also jacked up the rear end, grabbed the tire on both sides and was able to make it clunk by pulling and pushing inward and outward. The clunk sound appears to come from the diff itself. I do not feel or hear clunking while driving, maybe at low speeds while turning into a bumpy parking lot but difficult to tell. Going to dealer next week for the first oil change, would like to be as informed as possible beforehand when I bring this up

Can anyone confirm if their truck does this or if this is normal?

Hey Scram1500,

We certainly understand why this would be concerning. Please know that our team is more than happy to provide you with an additional layer of support as you address this with your dealer. We are always just a private message away.

Mark
RamCares

 

[Billet1500 4x4]

Hello, first time poster, could not find a topic specific to my concern

There is lateral play (have not measured) left to right in both rear wheels. I can produce a clunk (sound and feel) in the hub/lug nut area by rocking the bed from left to right. I also jacked up the rear end, grabbed the tire on both sides and was able to make it clunk by pulling and pushing inward and outward. The clunk sound appears to come from the diff itself. I do not feel or hear clunking while driving, maybe at low speeds while turning into a bumpy parking lot but difficult to tell. Going to dealer next week for the first oil change, would like to be as informed as possible beforehand when I bring this up

Can anyone confirm if their truck does this or if this is normal?

A slight amount of lateral movement is normal for a solid rear axle with C-Clip axle shafts, due to the nature of assembly the axle itself can move laterally within the housing. Whether or not your's is excessive the dealer would have to determine.

 

[Scram1500]

The lateral movement could be excessive as I can make it happen with one hand, not knowing the specification however it is just a guess. Also the lateral movement is restricted by the disc brakes, without removing the caliper the full amount of play cannot be measured. Is it possible to post a video here?

 

[kapinallinen2]

The lateral movement could be excessive as I can make it happen with one hand, not knowing the specification however it is just a guess. Also the lateral movement is restricted by the disc brakes, without removing the caliper the full amount of play cannot be measured. Is it possible to post a video here?

Upload to you-tube and post a link to it, might be the easiest.

 

[Scram1500]

I will try Youtube this weekend. I should also add that there is intermittent vibration or rumbling (not from exhaust note, ANC, or active damper) around 60-65 mph under light throttle that comes from the rear.

I'd like to think that the axle wont break loose from the housing before I've made my first payment lol

 

[Billet1500 4x4]

I will try Youtube this weekend. I should also add that there is intermittent vibration or rumbling (not from exhaust note, ANC, or active damper) around 60-65 mph under light throttle that comes from the rear.

I'd like to think that the axle wont break loose from the housing before I've made my first payment lol

All joking aside if the c clip is missing or broke the only thing holding your axle inside the housing is your brake caliper

 

[Scram1500]

 

[Edwards]

Well, that ain't right.

 

[kapinallinen2]

That is pretty bad! Something definitely wrong.

 

[silver billet]

Holy Moly! I'd text the link of that video to your dealer and tell them to pick it up via flatbed.

 

[Scram1500]

Dealer said it is normal, other trucks on the lot do it. So I guess all is well? They also "recalibrated" the vibration dampers. Time will tell all tales

 

[silver billet]

Dealer said it is normal, other trucks on the lot do it. So I guess all is well? They also "recalibrated" the vibration dampers. Time will tell all tales

Did you personally try it on other trucks on the lot? Because mine does not do that, it is perfectly tight.

 

[Scram1500]

Did you personally try it on other trucks on the lot? Because mine does not do that, it is perfectly tight.

I did not personally try. This sound will not happen all the time, has to be level ground and the parking brake has to be off.

 

[derp]

I did not personally try. This sound will not happen all the time, has to be level ground and the parking brake has to be off.

I'd be asking for a normal refund. that's some BS.

 

[iamtheav8r]

doesn't seem normal - hub / axle / gear lash in the diff is supposed to be tight/unmoving. Please update after your dealer visit

He's not describing lash. He's describing something that is normal in a clipped axle diff.

 

[kapinallinen2]

IMO, that sounds like lot of slop.
I would be pulling the calibers to double check the end-play for a peace of mind.

 

[Scram1500]

IMO, that sounds like lot of slop.
I would be pulling the calibers to double check the end-play for a peace of mind.

Tire rotation is coming up, I'll be pulling the calipers then

 

[Scram1500]

I don't drive far so the rotation is still a ways off, although I do see feathering of the fronts already at 1700 miles. I took off the caliper and checked the end play, it was nothing, 0.1 or 0.2 mm