Bad U-Joints? Squeaking noise

[JerZDevil81]

First heard tonight. Squeaking noise which increases with RPM. Very noticable in 1st and 2nd till 2500.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro7jMnKFvVc&feature=youtu.be

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

At what speed were you going when the vid was going? I would expect a u-joint to squeak about 3 to 4 times per wheel revolution, depends on gear ratio. When the u-joints are squeaking they should bad enough to easily check them by hand. Chock the wheels and make sure the trans is in neutral. Then try twisting the driveshaft while watching on each side of the joint. There should be no noticeable movement.
Good luck,

Richard

 

[JerZDevil81]

Very low speed. From initial take off, disappears at like 20mph, shift to 2nd, sounds there but goes away quickly.

I am going to check them tomorrow for play. Looks like I'll be doing U-Joints at the same time I spindle lift it this weekend. Ugh. Was hoping they would hold out until I swapped in my 8.8

Thanks,

 

[JerZDevil81]

No joint movement at either end. Its only audible till 1500 RPM, not 2500 like I stated before.

Sounds like a rubbing squeak but no movement in the joints has me worried.

Thanks

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I've had problems detecting movement before too. You want to make sure the driveline is free to move. The driveshaft should rotate easily for about a 1/4" in either direction. Then with a hand on either side of the joint, twist each hand in opposite directions, both ways.
Are you 4x4? TTB has joints in the front axle too as well as front driveshaft.
Edit; I am not saying you didn't check properly, I'm giving procedure for any others that come upon this thread.

Richard

 

[bmerr98]

Sounds very much like u-joints. At least they're relatively inexpensive.

 

[70roadrunner]

you may not get movement by twisting, but if you push/pull up and down and side to side you may get movement. make sure you are pushing in the same direction as the cross. also, as stated before, the driveshaft must be "slack", chock the wheels and put trans in neutral

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

you may not get movement by twisting, but if you push/pull up and down and side to side you may get movement.

Good point.

 

[Andy D]

If the U- joints are greasable, grease them, If not, use some spray lube. If the squeak goes away, just for a few minutes... A squeaky U -joint is out of lube . That causes the squeak. A binding U -joint will pass any test while it is connected. After they spit out a few needles, they will clink as you take off.

 

[JerZDevil81]

Thanks for all the help!

Looks like U-Joints. Im only 2wd and tried to check for movement but everything is pretty solid. Mechanic friend told me that there is not always play in them, esp if the caps are rusted in good, which it seems they are.

Going to replace them when I do my spindle lift this weekend.


Thanks guys!

 

[jaynine89]

I have the same truck as you except I have the four-cylinder, and I replaced my u-joints a few weeks ago. Similar situation, squeak at lower speeds, through first and second, disappeared with speed. I did both just to do them since the drive-shaft was out anyway, and one of the points on the u-joint itself had three roller-bearings left, all the rest were ground into rusty dust.

So I'd imagine that's your problem as well. Good luck.