This actually happend this winter. I was noticing that on cold starts and pulling off in first gear I'd hear a noise that sounded simular to a broken CV Joint (A click, click, click, click noise). Ever since it got colder here in Jersey I started to hear this. It would only do it while shifting or rolling forward in first gear. So I mainly heard it when the motor would shift back and forth but would go away after several miles of driving. One cold start I didnt hear it anymore so decided to pop the hood and this is what I saw









It pulled right out of the threads! I guess that was the clicking i was hearing..

 

How long have you had it on?

 

Its been on for a few years now.. I've never taken it off for the weather but I think the cold was the cause because that was the only time i heard any noise from the egine area.

 

Damn I can't see the pics at work (filtered) but I do hear a noise in the colder weather from my ETD -- kinda the same noise as when my rear sway bar polyurethane bushings are in need of new grease. I also am recently getting a clunk/loose-metal sound from behind the radio or passenger dash area -- maybe its the ETD being broken like yours - its possible. I'll check mine before leaving work and check your pics when I get home.
I'm hoping its not the ETD being broken, as I'm relying on that to keep my DC header flex pipe from separating for a 3rd time due to excess engine movement and/or poor header design.

 

I checked and mine was fine. I think the clunk noise was a loose hood latch so I raised the black rubber bumpers for the hood about 1 full turn each and the noise has stopped.

Can you screw the two pieces back together or is it completely shot?

 

Nah its stripped... I need a new hydraulic piece. The ETD works because i feel the difference now thats mine is broke!

 

"hydraulic" implies fluid, If I'm not mistaken the ETD utilizes bushings.


Sucks you should contact Ingalls see what they have to say.

 

I guess your right.. It just resembles a hydraulic piece to me. Im pretty sure im past any warranty coverage so I'll just purchase a new or used one and just take it off during the winter next time.

 

I think you should call Ingalls and send them the pics. Odds are you can get a new damper for a reduced rate (since you already have the brackers and hardware), or even get them to warranty it since it is not a normal place for the ETD to fail.

 

Yeah i think Ingalls should be aware of their product defects, any company worth a spit would want to investigate the failure and determine whether to make product improvements.

 

What difference do you feel? I don't know too much about this product so it would be great to have a review.

 

Damn aluminum threads. When you do get a replacement, make sure you tighten that jam nut pretty well - but don't over-tighten it. If it isn't tightened enough, the threads will cyclically contact each other, slowly fatiguing the threads over time. Aluminum doesn't have a fatigue limit, so no matter what amount of stress you put on it, it will EVENTUALLY fatigue and fail. BUT - making sure that jam nut is tightened correctly will ensure a longer life because the impact loads between threads will disappear.

 

x2. Also put some thread lock on it and it will help prevent the other nut from backing off.

Tangoman - It is nice to see a competent and technically rational response on these forums every now and again!