Thumping/clunking from rear end area what could it be?

[cwilliamsws6]

My 2014 Pathfinder suddenly developed this issue today. It wasn't gradual leading up to now it is just now happening as of this morning.

I have a thumping that feels like it's coming from somewhere under the back seats. I had my dad ride in the back seat while I drove around the block to confirm. If I let off the gas it changes to a very loud clunking noise from the same region.

I jacked up all 4 corners earlier, spun the wheels and confirmed there's nothing stuck in any of the tires. All the CV shafts look good, no bent tie rods or control arm issues, and there isn't any excessive play in the driveshaft or U joints. Nothing obvious is jumping out as the issue.

Doubt it's the electronic coupler either because auto-AWD still works and 4WD still works.

What should I look at next?

Thanks!

 

[mattwithcats]

Sway bar link?

2014 NISSAN PATHFINDER 3.5L V6 Sway Bar Link | RockAuto

RockAuto ships auto parts and body parts from over 300 manufacturers to customers' doors worldwide, all at warehouse prices. Easy to use parts catalog.

www.rockauto.com

 

[stevejones]

If I let off the gas it changes to a very loud clunking noise from the same region.

Noise changes from accel to coast tells me it's in the rear diff (on a traditional setup). Not familiar with yours, but it's gotta have a ring & pinion in there somewhere...my money is on the center section being junk.

 

[Lubener]

If you cannot check it yourself, take it to a shop and get it on a lift to diagnose. There's no way to determine the noise source by posting on a forum. You will just get nothing but guessing.

 

[MParr]

You are going to need to get your vehicle off of the ground, put it in drive and observe what’s going on. It sounds like a universal joint, pinion gear, or drive shaft problem.

 

[Danno]

Quick check is to see if the rear hatch is the cause.
Take some cardboard cut to size on the bottom edge of the hatch, close the hatch on it and see if the clunking goes away on a test drive.

 

[Blueshound]

Earl wants out

 

[tnt_motorsports]

FWIW I would pop the diff cover off and take a look. Our 2005 Jeep GC had a similar sound a few years back. It turns out the spider gears were worn. I bought some replacement gears and shims, pulled the axles and R&R'ed the spiders. Now it runs quiet again.

Just my $0.02

 

[Dave9]

Just as a sanity check, make sure the jack/handle and spare tire, lug wrench, etc are secure.

 

[Number_35]

Check out the rear stabilizer- bar bushings - if they're worn, a thumping noise is common.

 

[dumkid]

Old solid rear axle pathfinders had trailing arms that would wear causing clunking and the rear axle would shimmy going between accell/decell

 

[KGMtech]

How old are the rear shocks? what condition is exhaust & all associated hangars?

 

[BigCahuna]

I had one of those rubber muffler hangers break, and the muffler would start banging at just the right engine rpm. That'll drive you nuts.,,,

 

[GMBoy]

My guess would be the center carrier bearing on the driveshaft...see pic your driveshaft below - its the center part. Go back and see if you can push the driveshaft up and down while looking at that center bearing - you may even see the rubber torn

2014 NISSAN PATHFINDER 3.5L V6 Drive Shaft | RockAuto

RockAuto ships auto parts and body parts from over 300 manufacturers to customers' doors worldwide, all at warehouse prices. Easy to use parts catalog.

www.rockauto.com

 

[oldhp]

Wife not in trunk is she???

 

[cwilliamsws6]

Muffler hangers are all good, jack and lug wrench are all secure, rear hatch is fine, carrier bearing rubber is dry rotted but doesn't look too bad otherwise...

between my dad's work schedule and mine we both opted to just pay and make it a shop's problem. Luckily I make enough that having a shop do the work isn't an issue. And mom is out of town so I have her car as a loaner until mine is fixed ... LOL

 

[SatinSilver]

@JTK, has one of these I believe and posted various issues. He may be of help.

Also check on www.carcomplaints.com for common problems/recalls/TSBs.

 

[GMBoy]

Lets us know what it turns out to be

 

[mrbreezeet1]

Lets us know what it turns out to be

Yes. Let us know!

 

[mattwithcats]

Trunk Monkey?