JX knocking, what could it be?

[Zaloopa]

So my 86 JX engine has been rebuilt, new silicone hoses, all new head, pretty much everything except the exhause was replaced or rebuilt.
5 speed transmission was taken out, checked and resealed at the rear.
all springs and shocks replaced
all the brakes and drums
shifter linkage replaced

Lately when I drive it up a hill this knocking begins...quiet at first then louder and louder, from the rear.
by the time I get to the top it is a-knocking. stops when I let off the gas but continues knocking while driving now till I stop. It is progressing and fast. Every day it is significantly worse. Today I parked it
3 certified mechanics and one retired mechanic cannot figure what it is.
we took off the tires checked brakes and bearings
there was a small amount of play in the axle but nothing serious I am told

Need help, don't want to wreck it.

[Plasticman]

rear cv,s by the sound of it or loose big castlated nut or loose wheel nuts
mm

[Zaloopa]

Not Cv's..checked that
what castilated nut??
Also took off the tires twice, not the tire nuts

[Plasticman]

the big nut that holds the hub on,
how have you checked the cv.s. and if you jack a wheel up do you get any knocking when rotating
mm

[Zaloopa]

We jacked it up took off both rear tires and the brake cover then checked it all for play, noises excetera. There was nothing but a small amount of axle play.

After that I had a shop do the same on a hoist and check the bearings and generally try to diagnose it. I was told they were unable to diagnose it

Z

[Plasticman]

maybe trake it out and have a mate record the sound and post it up ?
mm

[Oldiebut goodie]

Another few days and there will be a post about a failed cv joint!
Checked the torque on the cv joints especially the outer ones?

[Zaloopa]

I will see about recording the sound...good idea
The mechanic who most recently failed to diagnose the problem told me he kinda grabbed and hung on the connected pieces to the CV joint and could feel no play that was not normal for a ball and socket joint....his words not mine
that said....I could not reproduce the noise on a second test drive (earlier today I could). Either taking the wheels and brake covers off and putting them back on fixed it or cold and warm weather are effecting the noise. The temperature dropped and the van was much colder

BTW thanks for all the help .

Z

[Oldiebut goodie]

The bolts on the cv joints coming loose is a common source of knocking at the rear that comes and goes.

[CovKid]

And generally on the outside where its difficult to see and get at them. I tend to agree with above, the next stage will be a "thwack!!!" and no drive at all.

[Plasticman]

[kenkelso]

IMHO it's hard to tell if a CV joint is worn without taking it apart.

Ken

[Zaloopa]

Well, I dunno what the heck. 2 days driving and no noise. The temp dropped below -20 C . We will see when it warms up I geuss.

wierdest thing

Z

[Plasticman]

_20, so you mist be just north of Edinburgh
mm

[ermie571]

I have read on here that a knocking CV can be rejuvenated by a wiggle - it moves the grease around inside - and the knocking can stop for ??????? number of miles.

So, by your mechanic grabbing it and wiggling it...he may have temporarily "cured" the problem.

chances are, it will be back!

EM
xx