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Random knocking noise in truck rear axle.

Posted on 11/15/20 at 12:39 pm
Posted by Thorny
Montgomery, AL
Member since May 2008
1907 posts
Posted on 11/15/20 at 12:39 pm
So, I have a 2011 Nissan Titan: ~120,000 miles and approximate KBB value is $10,000.

Over the last three weeks, I have been hearing knocking noises that seem to be coming from the rear axle. I don't hear it all the time, but mostly when I am coasting or slowing down. It never happens when I am not moving, and it does seem to get faster when I am going faster. I had a brake job done after I first heard the noise, and that didn't stop it, so that's not the problem.

The local dealer said it needs a whole new axle, which would cost up to $6000+. Apparently, the Nissan policy is to replace entire axles instead of doing specific repairs.

The local transmission experts say that they didn't hear it and the rear differential oil looked normal.

The noise is regular enough to be worrisome that it might be something that will leave me.

Which option would you do?
1. Keep driving based on transmission shop advice, and deal with it if it fails.
2. Go ahead and pay the dealer to replace the axle.
3. Trade the truck in on a new or late-model used F-150.

Thanks in advance.
This post was edited on 11/15/20 at 12:43 pm
Posted by DownshiftAndFloorIt
Here
Member since Jan 2011
66763 posts
Posted on 11/15/20 at 12:45 pm to
Don't pay the dealer to do anything. It's out of warranty so there's no reason to pay the premium price.

It might just be a U joint, which is probably a $30 part and a couple hour job that any shop can handle. If it isn't, have a shop pull the diff cover off and make sure everything looks ok.

Again, do not pay a deal $6k to put a new axle in there. Thats rape. Pay a local shop to diagnose/repair it or trade it in if you don't like the truck.
Posted by slacker130
Your mom
Member since Jul 2010
7985 posts
Posted on 11/15/20 at 1:35 pm to
Probably a U joint on the drive shaft
Posted by sleepytime
Member since Feb 2014
3566 posts
Posted on 11/15/20 at 1:46 pm to
There’s a lot of things that can make sounds when slowing down. It’s possible you have a bad pinion bearing, u-joint or June. Bring it to a shop that specializes in driveline work. If it’s the differential, just buy a used axle and have it put in. It should be under $1000 if you DIY or $2000 for a mechanic. car-part.com Is a good resource for locating used parts.
Posted by NASA_ISS_Tiger
Huntsville, Al via Sulphur, LA
Member since Sep 2005
7975 posts
Posted on 11/15/20 at 2:31 pm to
I'd check my u-joints or if a two piece driveshaft, the swing bearing too before I'd blame the rearend. Just seems easier to weed out any issues.
Posted by biglego
Ask your mom where I been
Member since Nov 2007
76161 posts
Posted on 11/15/20 at 4:03 pm to
quote:

Which option would you do?


3. Trade the truck in on a new or late-model used F-150.


Bc I like new trucks. Get that 3.5 ecoboost
Posted by thejudge
Westlake, LA
Member since Sep 2009
14036 posts
Posted on 11/15/20 at 4:39 pm to
Nissan had a big problem with Titan rear ends. Google it. May be why they just said replace the whole thing.
Posted by auggie
Opelika, Alabama
Member since Aug 2013
27753 posts
Posted on 11/15/20 at 6:04 pm to
Check your exhaust, you might have a loose hanger. Might check your spare tire too, if it's hanging underneath. Change out your u-joints. Check the play in the rear yoke, going into the differential.

Does that truck have a 2 piece driveshaft? If so, it could be your hanger bearing, I'm assuming it's 2wd.
This post was edited on 11/15/20 at 6:17 pm
Posted by X123F45
Member since Apr 2015
27339 posts
Posted on 11/15/20 at 6:39 pm to
Sounds like a very cheap ujoint replacement.

But... I've never heard anyone describe that sound as knocking.

Posted by auggie
Opelika, Alabama
Member since Aug 2013
27753 posts
Posted on 11/15/20 at 6:46 pm to
quote:

But... I've never heard anyone describe that sound as knocking.

Not until they hit the pavement, then it's a hell of a knocking noise.
Posted by Cracker
in a box
Member since Nov 2009
17667 posts
Posted on 11/15/20 at 7:59 pm to
go to pull apart and get another one
Posted by Thorny
Montgomery, AL
Member since May 2008
1907 posts
Posted on 11/15/20 at 10:01 pm to
To everyone: I doubt it is a u-joint, as I had a very reputable transmission shop look at it, and I'm pretty sure they would have checked that.

I will check the exhaust and the spare tire.

Anything else?

Thanks.
Posted by X123F45
Member since Apr 2015
27339 posts
Posted on 11/15/20 at 10:05 pm to
So many ujoints in the transmission.
Posted by auggie
Opelika, Alabama
Member since Aug 2013
27753 posts
Posted on 11/15/20 at 11:27 pm to
quote:

Anything else?

One other thing you could check: I've had a noisy antilock brake valve before that made a loud fluttering noise sometimes, especially during hard braking. This wouldn't be touched during a normal brake job.
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