2004 jeep grand cherokee 4x4 rear loud clunk noise when shifting from park to drive or reverse

When shifting from park to drive or reverse loud clunk noise heard from rear . Rear upper balljoint differential axle suspension. On acceleration may be heard also.

[@joediehl3395]

Thank you so much this was a big big huge help I just got this jeep first time I’ve ever owned one and start a clunking like you’re talking about I did what you said and perfectly fixed thank you very very very much appreciate that very helpful

[@pauljanetcantrell2]

You are going to still have problems unfortunately. Just changing that ball joint will only be like a bandaid because the "Y" thing you are referencing is the upper control arm for the rear. The bushings in that one are shot I'm sure. You should replace that whole control arm. Amazon sells them for like $80 with bushings already installed.

[@robertstegway5792]

gave me good insight for jeep liberty that I have the same clunking noise gonna try

[@chrislincoln489]

I have a 2002 Grand Chrokee I just replaced mine. 21mm was nuckel buster I found it was a 13/16 fits good. Not sure why every post says 21 mm.

[@revolutionday1]

Cheaper and less labor intensive to just replace the whole arm, with a new ball joint already on it, iddnitt??

[@spamh3591]

Hey man, do you know if this also making clunking noises going over bumps?

[@Jack-Surreal_Panes]

I have to cut my bolt off. The nut worked loose, explains the clunking. I cannot get the nut off, or tighten, possibly damaged threads now. Going to sawzall the bolt off. Worse case if the bolt doesnt come off can take the A off. Like you, when replaced mine 2 years ago the 2 would not pop off so sawzall the A frame off in order to get those 3 bolts out. Now, have to go do the damn joint again. I may try a lockut or split washer this time

[@philstat100]

Thank You.

[@chestrockwell7023]

Upper control A arm....you will really hear a bad one when you turn and hit a bump or dip

[@awuah]

while driving I heard a grinding noise from the transmission and not been able to move the car since . The loud grinding noise always comes once I put it into either drive or reverse . Now I’m totally clueless what the issue is

[@bagoodperson]

Do u know the length of the 21mm bolts?? I need 2of them

[@matthewwilloughby2594]

When my jeep was doing that it was the u-joints on the drive shaft

[@emjoneshouseDIY]

Upper rear control arm.

[@daniel-ku4em]

When I put my Jeep in 4x4 and I go into drive once I start moving something clunks really hard like something snapped off, but when it’s in 2wd it’s perfectly fine, no noises or anything any idea?

[@jat-justamaturetech-philpj8285]

The nut is a 22mm. The three balljoint bolts are 21mm

[@kevinsinclair7003]

But I do love the jeep

[@ireneloughman2146]

what annoys me is the amount of linkages under these jeeps is unreal ,like why would you need a balljoint linkage on the centre top of the axle casing , i can see its joined to a top swing plate but really its just too much unnecessary expense compared to other 4x4 cars,

[@constitutionalrepublican1611]

That ball joint actually improves the ride given its 4x4 capabilities. All the bars create rigidness where the bushings and balljoints allow the movement. Also that joint keeps the rear differential locked in place, a lot of differentials sway side to side, ive seen some come clean loose, this design will not accidentally come loose.
Theres a few reasons to why theyre designed that way, they're actually quite purposeful.

[@Swtcherries27]

Mines is completely off on the driver side...

[@mameryjazz]

Bro. Is there a part number to this? I cannot find it anywhere. I think mine is gone too. Clunk clunk clunk when shiftjng from R to Park.

[@djmk1981]

@azone TRW part#JBJ944

[@djmk1981]

You'll find it at other stores also. Rear axle upper ball joint. Only one with bracket with 3 bolt holes

[@constitutionalrepublican1611]

Shop around.

[@wandalllither2452]

How long that balljoint usually lasts? 150k miles?

[@djmk1981]

Factory one lasts till then.....but after market most likely will not. Not to mention that because fresh car from factory, everything is new and stable but over mileage and wear all the other components get worn. So even with a dealer factory new ball joint replacement, it wont last as long cause it take the brunt of the rest of the worn rear end.

[@Amarillobymorning777]

14 months.

[@djmk1981]

I do not jason

[@ROCKETMANN56]

Total bullshit with mine. I replaced the control and the balljoint and the new balljoint is making the clunk whenever i break slightly hard or when i shift to reverse.

[@jamesreeves179]

new universals in the driveshaft?

[@tcsadt]

It was a b!tch for sure when I did my lift.

[@kevinsinclair7003]

You bought a jeep get ready to spend money

[@VIC33-bd6dc]

yeps, Im finding out now..05 cherokee lol