Help me identify this groan/squeak!

[Zorro]

I've had an odd squeaking sound for a while now, and can't see where it's from. It's very noticeable at slow speeds, it cycles with the wheel, and has a low pitch. Kinda like groaning, but squeaking. If that makes any sense! LOL

I first thought it was a front wheel bearing, but they're just fine, after re-greasing and tightening them, it still squeaks.

I thought it could be the brakes, but the groaning doesn't change a bit when I apply the brakes.

Now it hit me, it could be coming from the back. Would mis-adjusted rear drums cause that kind of squeaking? Perhaps they are too loose? Or the hand brake is too tight?

If not, it may be the rear wheel bearings ...

I'm kinda stumped right now ... and it's damn embarassing to stop in a paring lot going "OOOINK... OOOINK ... OOOINK ... OOOINK".

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Have you checked the shocks?

 

[Psychopete]

If it were me, I would lift the front / rear up and spin the tires to see if the noise was apparent. If it is, you're lucky, and should be easy to trace at that point.

Sometimes just taking a peek will show the issue... Pop the rear drums off and check it out, at least you can check the thickness of your shoes.

Pete

Edit:
I am actually doing a similar test with my Tempo tonight, the brakes just started intermittently sticking, but only when it gets warmed up, then it stops after about 5 minutes.. Once cold, it's fine. I already know this is going to piss me off, LOL. I am going to have to drive around the block until it does it, and hopefully can get in the garage in time to figure out which wheel is doing it.

 

[skippy]

rear universal joint,don't ask how i know.worth a check.

 

[Zorro]

oh, my rear u-joint is shot for sure, I can hear it squeaking when I back up.
This sounds different though, more like a groan ...

I'm getting in the garage right now, see if I can hear/feel anything.

 

[skippy]

oh, my rear u-joint is shot for sure, I can hear it squeaking when I back up.
This sounds different though, more like a groan ...

I'm getting in the garage right now, see if I can hear/feel anything.

i had the same noises,squeak at slow speed,groan at moderate to high speed.i only got 25 years out of the u-joint,lol.