4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: 1999 gmc yukon clunking sound, gmc yukon, drive shaft

Question
QUESTION: Matt, My GMC Yukon 198,000 miles has clunking sound in front when driving sounds like baseball cards in the spokes. Could it be the front drive shaft or maybe a hub?  Haven't checked 4wd yet to see if this disappears.  I have climbed under and grabbed the drive shaft and wiggled it. there is a little play in bearing cap on rear joint by transfer box. does the shaft just pull out of the transfer box?

Thanks
Charley

ANSWER: Charley,

I would lean more towards the hubs. The drive shaft shouldn't turn when not in 4 wheel drive. The hubs on the other hand have a clutch in them and if it is going bad they will "rattle" like your description. Check the hubs and see if you find anything loos or even broken

Matt

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for the reply.  What is the best way to check them I did put in 4wd sound was still there but it seemed to change when giong in and out of 4wd but the noise never really went away.

Charley

Answer
Charley,

Get a good floor jack that will pick the entire front of the truck up (both wheels at same time) And use jackstands. With the front end in the air spin the wheels and see if the noise is present. if so, try turning the drive shaft to the front axle and see if you hear the noise, as this will eliminate the front axle itself if noise isn't present while turning the driveshaft. Which ever wheel makes the noise at this point is where your problem lies

Matt