Front Driveline Clicking Sound - 2019 Ram 1500 Classic

[HunterArcher]

Hey everyone! Heres some quick truck info:
2019 Ram 1500 Classic SLT 4x4 - 67000 miles
I've recently started hearing a sort of clicking sound around the front end. My best way to describe it is having a metal ziptie on a rotating piece and the metal ziptie hitting a stationary piece of metal every rotation. I believe it is not associated with the engine at all as it did not vary with different ranges of RPMs. It also did not make any noise at a standstill. So I am wondering what could cause that? I do know that the previous owners had the 4x4 actuator replaced and I am wondering if they did not put enough gear oil in the front differential? Or maybe it is as simple as something loose banging around down there. I have yet to crawl underneath and check it out as I have gotten dumped in snow recently.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Do you do your own maintenance and troubleshooting/repairs?

Start with a thorough inspection of the driveline (incl rear), on jackstands. Check wheel bearings and CV/half-shafts, diff/Xfer case fluids and driveshafts. Could also be something with the front or rear brakes ...a loose shield rubbing on something. Even like a stick being thrown up and rubbing. U-joint, torn boot. So many possibilities it would be fruitless to start throwing out specific ideas in a scattergun manner w/o first inspecting.

If yer not a DIY guy, probably best to take it to a good mechanic so they don't lead you down the parts-replacing path w/o actually finding the problem first. Noises aren't too difficult to find for the guy who knows his stuff.

 

[indept]

Sounds typical of a CV or u-joint. Check your front cv's for torn boots & the rear driveshaft u-joints for rust around the needle bearing cups.

 

[HunterArcher]

With some of the snow melted away, I was able to crawl under the truck and check around. I believe I have it narrowed to the CV axle or the wheel bearing. The CV axle definitely needs replaced as I can move it back and forth enough to clunk it side to side + the grease is everywhere. I am unsure about the wheel bearing, as the wheel bearing seems like it would be making the noise I am experiencing more than the CV axle.

This video is what the sound is like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2elBsSIx40 At 4:40

 

[GTyankee]

if the clicking happens in a turn,
If it clicks when turning right, check your left side & visa versa

 

[Burla]

Like indept said, cv for sure, in general they just replace the axle, les shuab did mine it isnt a terribly expensive fix, well at least it wasnt pre inflation, who knows maybe the price is jacked now. Fix it before you get problem downstream.

 

[Jeepwalker]

If you're running larger than stock tires, or plan to, this might be an opportunity to go with a more robust half-shaft. You can see them on Rock-Auto ..and other places. At least this shaft perhaps ..then the other side maybe in a year or two if it goes.

Otherwise, stock is just fine.