ping noise from transmission area

So I've got this pinq/tap noise from the transmission area. Only does it when I put it in gear. It is not consistent all the time. But enough for me to worry a little. Ive replaced the trans fluid the past 6 months. I did some online searching and I found a lot about that it could be from the drive shaft. Maybe the yoke or something else in that area.
Would anyone have an idea what it could be?

Thanks,
David

 

Universal joint?

 

Its not really a knocking noise.

I did saw that the universal joint could be it when I was doing some googling.

 

Maybe the starter is not retracting all the way ??

 

Is it a single ping, when you change the shift lever?

If so, as other's have said, U-Joints often do that. It is typically the drive shaft that "rings" like tubular bell. But the sound is dampened/cut short.

 

It does sound like a ring. I am thinking more and more that it's the u joints. I might as well replace them any ways.

 

It makes the noise when you put it in gear, well does it have to be moving in gear to hear it?

If your foot is on the brake and you're at a dead stop and you keep your foot on the brake so the car doesn't move in gear, will it make the noise? If it does, I would probably rule out the U-joints because if you're not moving neither is the drive shaft.

I would look at flex plate, in gear moving or not there is load to the flex plate.

 

Guessing, Front ujoint heading south?

 

Every time I hear it. I recall just putting it in gear and moving. Or when I am at a stop then proceed to move. It only does it every once in awhile. Sometimes it's just one pinq....then sometimes its multiple. Their is no ryme or reason to the consistency of it.

 

You may or may not know how many miles are on the U-joints, and if they have been lube (if they have zerk fittings) or if they have "run dry" or sat for a long time, and for less than $50, you can replace them and rule that out.

It is a low dollar item, and it also lets you look around at other things while your crawling around underneath and getting crap in your eyes.

Because you have everything from the flexplate to the rear tires that can be involved, and the U-Joints are the quickest "fix", it is what I would do.

Your mileage may vary.

 

So. It seems like it was the u joints. The rear one had no grease and the grease fitting was absent. I went ahead and replaced both.

 

Excellent, gutta luv it when the fix is found , the OP makes a post detailing the fix , we all get closure, and can move on.....Jim/Rott

 

Ring and pinion