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REAR CLUNK WHEN STARTING OFF AND TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT


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Hello everyone.  I hope you are all well.

 

So, yesterday a weird noise started when we were returning from a trip to another Canadian province.  A weird REAR CLUNKING sound started in the back when we were starting off from stops.  It does it on left or right turns.  I don't know if it does it on straight starts, but I think it does, but not always.  I can feel the clunk, if that makes sense.  It's as if someone is hitting the bottom of the floor near the back tires with a hammer.  It is a thud.

 

2012 Journey RT AWD

 

Any ideas?  I am really worried about it.

 

Thanks

 

mechanical-idiot

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my brand new 1972 nova with positraction rear end it started making a noise and vibration when turning, ended up being the   Positraction unit in the rear end and G.M. service tech said all i needed was a special fluid added to the rear diff and they did it and no more problems out of it ever, now i know we dont have that but probably something in your transfer unit also i assume you checked your brakes and calipers for something out of whack you didnt mention the miles on the car either, good luck and report back what you find

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I had something similar on my 09. Sounded like something was going to push through the floor.  Dealer found some broken bolts on the rear stabilizer bar (I think that’s what it was, maybe a cross link, idk) and bad struts/shocks in the rear.  Thankfully it was under my extended warranty. Was a bit over $1000 to fix.  The third row seats and interior panels need to come out.  Who designs this shit??

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164136 KM

102006 Miles

 

Weirdest f'n thing. Today we don't hear a thing. It is not doing it.  It did it for the last 2 days, but not today. It was above the freezing point (5 or more degrees Celcius or 41 F) for the past two days. Today it is about 10 degrees below Celcius (14 Fahrenheit), but that shouldn't make any difference should it? We tried and tried over and over to get it to do it, but it refused to cooperate today. We went on the same route, same stops and turns, but nothing.

 

I am glad that I didn't take it to the dealer this morning. I was going to, but I was just so tired. If I had taken it there this morning and it didn't do it...... well you know.

 

If it does it again, I will let you know and I will drop in to a place that does wheel alignments and suspension jobs here in town. The guy has an excellent reputation and he is a good person. He has done work for us before.

 

My dodge buddy thinks it is a strut problem (strut mount), but he is not a mechanic, just a big Dodge fan. It could be the flux capacitor for all I know, so all your helpful suggestions are welcome.

 

I will let you know if it starts doing it again.  Thank you everyone.

 

Mechanical-idiot

 

 

 

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Another day of testing with no results.  Not sure if this is good or not.

 

Could it have been ice?

Perhaps it is a mechanical problem and the cold is keeping it from happening?  Perhaps it will start again when it gets warmer?

 

I will keep you posted.

 

mechanical-idiot

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It may just be the weather changes... Over the past few days here the temperatures have ranged from 73 degrees Fahrenheit to 30 degrees and I feel like everything is working differently for some reason. It may very well be the temperature preventing it from happening but if it was something dangerous the dealership would be able to notice it. If they don't find anything then take it back once it starts making the noise again. I'd also ask if someone can ride with you before they look at it to ensure that they hear the noise and can confirm it is there as well. 

 

Mechanically it could be the shocks or sway bar/sway bar link? The first thing I would check is simple stuff that you'd probably already checked... Spare tire, anything caught in the rear suspension and also check the front suspension because noises can be tricky like that. If you find out what it is keep us posted!

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So, it started knocking again today.  +2 Celcius.  I immediately went to the Dodge dealer.  The  Service and Parts Advisor took it for a drive and he immediately said that he could hear and feel it.  He said it wasn't something normal.  I have made an appointment for the morning to have it put on a hoist etc.  The Transmission, drivetrain guy is going to take a look at it.

 

He was thinking transmission.  I spoke to a mechanic and he said that it was likely not the transmission, but more than likely a differential/transfer case issue, but he was totally  unfamiliar with Dodge vehicles.

 

I will keep you posted.  I pray to God that it is not something expensive.

 

mechanical-idiot

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I forgot to add that the Service Guy looked up the VIN and told me that a recall on the steering wheel wiring harness was never done on our vehicle.  I thought that it was pretty good for him to do that, as they get paid a fraction of the cost per hour for doing recall stuff compared to normal garage work.  He could have just ignored it, but they seem very interested in fixing the vehicle for us.

 

mechanical-idiot

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  • Official Dodge Support
4 hours ago, mechanical-idiot said:

So, it started knocking again today.  +2 Celcius.  I immediately went to the Dodge dealer.  The  Service and Parts Advisor took it for a drive and he immediately said that he could hear and feel it.  He said it wasn't something normal.  I have made an appointment for the morning to have it put on a hoist etc.  The Transmission, drivetrain guy is going to take a look at it.

 

He was thinking transmission.  I spoke to a mechanic and he said that it was likely not the transmission, but more than likely a differential/transfer case issue, but he was totally  unfamiliar with Dodge vehicles.

 

I will keep you posted.  I pray to God that it is not something expensive.

 

mechanical-idiot

 

1 hour ago, mechanical-idiot said:

I forgot to add that the Service Guy looked up the VIN and told me that a recall on the steering wheel wiring harness was never done on our vehicle.  I thought that it was pretty good for him to do that, as they get paid a fraction of the cost per hour for doing recall stuff compared to normal garage work.  He could have just ignored it, but they seem very interested in fixing the vehicle for us.

 

mechanical-idiot

 

Hello, 

We are glad to hear you are working with your dealer on this and have an appointment set up. If you find you need an additional layer of assistance, please feel free to send a private message. We would be more than happy to offer our support. 

Julie
Dodge Social Care Specialist

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Recall on steering wheel wiring harness is complete.  That gives us some peace of mind.

 

Everything on the suspension has checked out okay - struts, links, sway bar etc.

 

The dealership has asked to keep the vehicle overnight and tomorrow to see if they can replicate the problem.  They realize that the vehicle does have a problem, they just want the technician to experience it first hand.  I told them that I was happy that they were interested in solving the issue for us.  The vehicle worked perfect for the technician today (just my luck).  It is intermittent.  It does it one day, then doesn't do it for 2 or 3 days, then does it again ..........

 

I will let you know what they find.  Hopefully we can get it fixed.

 

Thank you Julie (and other responders) for you assistance.

 

We love our Dodge Journey and we really want it fixed properly.  I hope that they find the issue.  It is probably just a matter of time now.  So, ...............we wait.

 

mechanical-idiot

 

 

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  • Official Dodge Support
14 hours ago, mechanical-idiot said:

Recall on steering wheel wiring harness is complete.  That gives us some peace of mind.

Everything on the suspension has checked out okay - struts, links, sway bar etc.

The dealership has asked to keep the vehicle overnight and tomorrow to see if they can replicate the problem.  They realize that the vehicle does have a problem, they just want the technician to experience it first hand.  I told them that I was happy that they were interested in solving the issue for us.  The vehicle worked perfect for the technician today (just my luck).  It is intermittent.  It does it one day, then doesn't do it for 2 or 3 days, then does it again ..........

I will let you know what they find.  Hopefully we can get it fixed.

Thank you Julie (and other responders) for you assistance.

We love our Dodge Journey and we really want it fixed properly.  I hope that they find the issue.  It is probably just a matter of time now.  So, ...............we wait.

mechanical-idiot

 

We appreciate the follow up, and are happy it seems there is an end in sight. Again, feel free to send us a PM if you need any additional assistance. 

Julie
Dodge Social Care Specialist

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The dealership had a transmission technician open up the pan and everything is ok in there.  He changed the fluid and filter.  No damage or filings.  So, that has been eliminated as a possible cause.  Not sure if it was necessary, but it is done anyway.

 

He found a leak in the back transfer case (if that is what you call it), so a seal is gone.  I saw it dripping out of the unit myself when I was there.  The vehicle was on the hoist.  He suspects that the front of the unit is damaged.  He is going to pull it apart, replace the seal and inspect the unit in the morning.  He figures that the front part of it needs to be replaced.  He had that problem with another vehicle.  It was making a similar noise.  So, hopefully that will solve the problem.  I pray to God that it does.  All this stuff is not going to be cheap, but if it fixes it, then I will at least be happy and less stressed.

 

I will keep you posted.  If it fixes it, then hopefully this thread will help someone else with a similar issue.

 

mechanical-idiot

 

 

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that is a service dept that i would wonder if they knew what they were doing? why because if your looking for a problem and see a leak coming out of the transfer and still say well lets check the transmission instead of the transfer case and had seen the similar problem on a different vech. DUH hope this is being covered on their dime and they just aren't trying to milk you on it.. Just another reason why i won't buy awd as it just adds to the repair cost with more parts to go bad vs fwd vehicles.. good luck but as i said earlier bet it will be something in the transfer case is the problem....

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Hats off to 2late4u.  You da man!  You nailed it right on!

 

I have been reading several of your posts here (and learning) and you know your stuff!

 

So, turns out it was this:

bdorc 68058066AB Rear Axel Viscus Unit

 

It is number 2 in the diagram.

 

They are ordering the parts and it will be back on the road on Monday.

 

In addition to the bang/thump/knock, there seemed to be a problem shifting when this occurred, so that is why they wanted to eliminate the transmission.  Or, so I am told.  I guess it makes sense, since I did notice myself that it seemed to have trouble shifting, which was probably stripped gears in the back?

 

I had the vehicle undercoated about 6 weeks ago, and the guy pounded the hell out of it, so the leaky transfer case was difficult to spot.  It was not a steady drip, just an oily look on the bottom of it, the same as everything else he pounded when undercoating.  Still, I think the transmission guy probably should have picked it up sooner.  I think that the service guy was convinced that it was the transmission, and he sort of had the mechanic thinking that maybe it was.  After I spoke to him, he immediately went to the transfer case to inspect it visually outside and said it was leaking.  The service guy and another mechanic said that it was just undercoating, but he made sure to check the fluid and determined that it was indeed from the case.

 

I will let you know if this does indeed fix the problem.  Hopefully it will.  It is in the exact area that the sound was coming from.

 

This won't be a cheap fix, but if it fixes it, then it will relieve a lot of stress (but not money wise stress).

 

Have a great weekend everyone and don't forget to include the mechanical-idiot in your prayers!

bdorc.PNG

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Here is one on ebay:

 

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/New-OEM-Rear-Axle-Viscous-Unit-Kit-Journey-2011-2015-Chrysler-P-N-68058066AB/172587335165?hash=item282f01bdfd:g:CUgAAOSwYmZXMh54&vxp=mtr

 

Lots of photos of the unit there.

 

mechanical-idiot

Edited by mechanical-idiot
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Parts finally arrived late this pm.  Being installed tomorrow.

 

I took it for a run yesterday afternoon and after about 15 minutes of driving, it started clunking like crazy on left and right turns, but not going straight.  The transmission mechanic came with me for a run and confirmed that it was the bdorc 68058066AB Rear Axel Viscous Unit. 

 

Remember, it is a 2012 RT AWD.  Front wheel drives don't have this part.

 

I now feel much better about getting it fixed properly.  I was a bit worried that the repair might not fix it, but he is absolutely positive that he has now pinpointed the problem for sure.  He wanted to hear it before installing parts to make sure that he puts the proper parts on and doesn't charge me for parts that I don't need.

 

mechanical-idiot

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i live in al last 40 yrs but was born and raised in mich and have driven thur all sorts of snow and ice even in alabama, and i have never once longed for an awd vech, after going from rear wheel to fwd have never needed anything more than fwd to get where i was going..

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Back on the road and no thumping in the rear.

 

Seems to be working properly.

 

We purchased it 2nd hand, and my kids and wife loved it upon sight, so we took it.  The AWD was a bit out of my control, but I will never buy another vehicle with it.  As 2late4u has mentioned, it is just something else that can go wrong.  That man has a lot of common sense.

 

I hope that this thread is useful and helpful to others.

 

mechanical-idiot

 

 

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  • 3 months later...

Hi Everyone,

I'm having what sounds like this same issue on my 2014 Journey. Does anyone know if this repair is considered part of the powertrain warranty? It seems like it would be as the AWD system is part of Powertrain. I'm really hoping so as I have 2 months left.

 

Thanks!

 

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38 minutes ago, Eric Roland said:

Hi Everyone,

I'm having what sounds like this same issue on my 2014 Journey. Does anyone know if this repair is considered part of the powertrain warranty? It seems like it would be as the AWD system is part of Powertrain. I'm really hoping so as I have 2 months left.

 

Thanks!

 

yes i would assume it should be covered but they will tell you before doing anything you could always call and ask just to see first.

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  • Official Dodge Support
55 minutes ago, Eric Roland said:

Hi Everyone,

I'm having what sounds like this same issue on my 2014 Journey. Does anyone know if this repair is considered part of the powertrain warranty? It seems like it would be as the AWD system is part of Powertrain. I'm really hoping so as I have 2 months left.

 

Thanks!

 

 

Hey there,

 

Although we cannot advise on whether or not this is covered, we're here if any questions during the servicing process.

 

Jasmine

Dodge Social Care Specialist

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14 hours ago, Eric Roland said:

Hi Everyone,

I'm having what sounds like this same issue on my 2014 Journey. Does anyone know if this repair is considered part of the powertrain warranty? It seems like it would be as the AWD system is part of Powertrain. I'm really hoping so as I have 2 months left.

 

Thanks!

 

 

Your dealer will be able to tell you. 

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  • 7 months later...

Mechanical-idiot, I have a 2013 Dodge Journey RT AWD. One month ago while travelling across country my transmission pump went out which resulted in a catastrophic transmission failure. I just had a new transmission installed and 2 days later I started getting a thumping/rumbling sound from the rear of my vehicle. I just took it to Dodge and the drive train tech told me he is pretty sure it is the viscous unit. There is a small amount of fluid leaking from the seal between the viscous unit and rear differential. I will take it back on Thursday so they can pull it apart to confirm the problem. Your posts were very helpful. Thanks!

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  • 2 months later...

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