Weird noise(s) when backing up

[James Vellenga]

I am not sure where to post this, but today I had the opportunity to go for a longer drive with my new to me 2005 Ram 1500 SLT 4x4. Most of my driving up to now have been back and forth to work.

When this happened I was in a parking lot and was trying to pull into a site. The turn was tight, and I couldn't get in with the space I had and I decided to back out. I shifted into reverse and there was a, ticking, clicking sort of noise that seemed to be from the front, for lack of a better word at the moment that happened when the truck was moving and stopped when it stopped. I backed into a site across the way, parked the truck, and went to get what I was stopping for. I pulled out and there was no noise going forward. As I drove down the road at highway speeds there was another noise that I cannot really describe. I stopped, and when I started again the sound was gone. Along with this, another thing I noticed as I was driving around, when I start from a stop with the wheels turned there is like a catching feeling sort of like when locking hubs are engaged on vehicles which have them, at least that I was I remember as a similar feeling from back when I had one, or maybe like 4x4 is on when driving on dry roads.

That is the best I can do in terms of describing this. I am going to have a look after dropping my son off at work, but any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[James Vellenga]

Update. I have not been able to duplicate either noise, however, I did test things out in an empty parking lot. From a stop, wheels straight, no issues, nice and smooth. Starting from a stop with the wheels turned in either direction, there is a resistance-catching feeling at first, but it goes away once the truck is moving. It happens in both forward and reverse. If I can go straight ahead for a couple of feet and then turn the wheels it really isn't there, and while driving down the road it isn't there. It really is only from a stop with the wheels turned or if I turn them while I am starting from a stop.

 

[GTyankee]

You mentioned that it was not so noticeable backing up with wheels straight.

Did you notice which way the wheels were turned while backing & that you noticed it the most

Also, if you know of a place like a parking lot, where you can back up in a circle, both to the Left & Right. Does going one way or the other make more noise or feel harsher

 

[Fast69Mopar]

Update. I have not been able to duplicate either noise, however, I did test things out in an empty parking lot. From a stop, wheels straight, no issues, nice and smooth. Starting from a stop with the wheels turned in either direction, there is a resistance-catching feeling at first, but it goes away once the truck is moving. It happens in both forward and reverse. If I can go straight ahead for a couple of feet and then turn the wheels it really isn't there, and while driving down the road it isn't there. It really is only from a stop with the wheels turned or if I turn them while I am starting from a stop.

The issue you are describing makes me thing you are hearing the limited slip clutch chatter when turning which is very common with the 9.25 Corporate Axles.

 

[James Vellenga]

I am not sure if I have a limited slip. I will jack it up and check tomorrow. The joys of purchasing a used vehicle. I was planning on changing the rear diff oil tomorrow, so I guess it would be good to know since with a limited slip I would need the friction modifiers.

 

[James Vellenga]

When it happened the wheels were turned to the right. I have not had any success in duplicating it. If I ever do, I will pull out my phone and try to record it.

 

[James Vellenga]

The issue you are describing makes me thing you are hearing the limited slip clutch chatter when turning which is very common with the 9.25 Corporate Axles.

I just got the time to jack up the back end. It is limited slip, both wheels turn in the same direction when I rotate one. I am planning on changing the fluid, so knowing this is good since I will need the friction modifier. I guess I should also get new retaining clips from the dealer before starting this since my wife is away with our other vehicle.