Terrible noises My dakota is making terrible noises when I make turns, espescialy sharp turns. The noises are coming from the rear of the vehicle. They are clank, clank, clank, noises consistent to how fast I am going. I have checked the driveline and the u-joints, and they check out ok. Is this something inside the differential, and how hard is this kind of stuff to fix.

Could be bad u-joints, wheel bearings. Raise rear of vehicle and rotate wheel by hand, if noisy remove and replace. Hope that helps.

Fixing Suspension Clunks And Rattles - Popular Mechanics

www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a110/1272531/
Have your helper sit in the driver's seat, turn the key to unlock the column, then rock the ... Older rear-wheel-drive vehicles with a live rear axle and coil springs may have what's ... The rod's bushings are a likely source of a clunking noise.

The Hondas do have at the back suspension arms which are holding the wheels,Big suspension bushing,which when they snap off or cracked,are causing clank noises because are not holding enough the rear axle. on the other hand the vehicle loose the tracking as a result to cause wear and tear of the rear tires as well. Ask from your local mechanic to examine your car.

sounds like one of the rear wheel bearings is destroyed Ray

Driveline and wheel bearing noises can be very decieving. - especially on 4X4 vehicles. These noises can travel through the vehicle and sound like they are coming from one place when they are caused by something else. I have 2 recomendations:

1. Take it to a professional that deals with 4X4 drive trains and have him lend you an ear.

2. get the thing on a lift and listen to the components with a stethescope. It could be a wheel bearing, a differential, a transfer case, or even the transmission making a noise like you have described.

Get your differential fluid checked and make sure you get synthetic for the rear if indicated. The clanking on turns reduces the possibility of the U-joints being the culprit. The driveshaft would give you noise going from reverse to drive, but in turns it is likely the clutches in the rear axle.

A four wheel drive can cause noise in all directions if the front drive has bad joints.

I recommend an inspection of all universal joints or CV(constant volocity) joints, whichever apply on the vehicle! A quick inspection of the rear suspension at the same time should reveal the source of the unusual noises that you describe.
A reputable service shop will do the inspection for free or for a minimal fee.
Have a great day!

when was the rear brakes replaced? If over 60,000 mile and also if you tow with this vehicle the brakes are shot by now and can make a terrible noise

The fluid in the versa trak AWD in the rear is old and needs to be drained and refilled. After you drain and refill it, make a bunch of sharp left and right hand turns, then drive it for 10 minutes. Drain and refill it for the second time and problem solved. Use only versa trak fluid available at any GM dealership. Your vehicle takes 2 bottles (16.9 oz) each change. There is a TSB at the Buick dealership on this now.

replace u-joints