Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Transmission clicking sound while driving

OttarC

New Member
Original poster
Joined
Jul 30, 2025
Messages
5
Location
Sacramento CA
My jeep is making a clicking/clacking sound in drive. When I push the clutch all the way down. No more clicking. When I’m neutral. No clicking. When in reverse. No clicking. I have no idea what it is. Fluids look fine. It happened as I was driving. All was fine. Then a clicking sound about 90 seconds into the drive. The faster I go. The faster the clicking. I haven’t gone over 10mph since I heard the clicking sound. 1999 SE 2.5 Manual
 
My jeep is making a clicking/clacking sound in drive. When I push the clutch all the way down. No more clicking. When I’m neutral. No clicking. When in reverse. No clicking. I have no idea what it is. Fluids look fine. It happened as I was driving. All was fine. Then a clicking sound about 90 seconds into the drive. The faster I go. The faster the clicking. I haven’t gone over 10mph since I heard the clicking sound. 1999 SE 2.5 Manual

Since the clicking noise only occurs when you're in gear (and not when the clutch is depressed or in neutral), there are several possibilities to consider:
  • A common issue that can cause clicking noises when the clutch is engaged is a worn throw-out bearing. If it's failing, it could create noise while you're driving.
  • Since the noise seems to be connected to the drivetrain, there could be something going on within the transmission or transfer case. Slipping gears or worn components could potentially cause irregular noises.
  • Check the driveshaft and the u-joints for any signs of wear or damage. If they're worn out, it can result in clicking sounds under load.
Given that you've already checked the fluids, I would recommend having a mechanic take a look sooner rather than later.
 
Since the clicking noise only occurs when you're in gear (and not when the clutch is depressed or in neutral), there are several possibilities to consider:
  • A common issue that can cause clicking noises when the clutch is engaged is a worn throw-out bearing. If it's failing, it could create noise while you're driving.
  • Since the noise seems to be connected to the drivetrain, there could be something going on within the transmission or transfer case. Slipping gears or worn components could potentially cause irregular noises.
  • Check the driveshaft and the u-joints for any signs of wear or damage. If they're worn out, it can result in clicking sounds under load.
Given that you've already checked the fluids, I would recommend having a mechanic take a look sooner rather than later.

Thank you. I will start with this and go from there.
 
I checked the rear drive shaft. Seen there was a leak in the pinion seal. Completed that job. Changed the rear differential fluid. Still hear the sound. Removed rear driveshaft. Drive in 4wd. No sound. Adding this for more information.
 
FIXED: It was my gear assembly in the rear differential. The pinion was missing teeth. Some broke off inside the housing and I had to replace. CASE CLOSED.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator