Front driveshaft noise

[flathead]

On my 2003 sport there is a squeeking noise comeing from the front at low speed. I also have a humming at high speed and a slight vibration that all started at about the same time . I jacked the front up and found the noise comeing from the middle of the front driveshaft if I rotated the tire or spun the shaft. I put my ear to the cv joint and the univ. but the noise seems to be comeing from the middle of the driveshaft! I can also feel a slight vibration on the shaft when the noise happens. I thought it maybe it was comeing from the rubber axle mounting thats in the area but I dissconnected it and still have the squeek. Anyone have an idea??

 

[flathead]

Does the CV joint have a rod or plunger that extends into the driveshaft that might be dry?

 

[Reynos]

I have a similar issue on my 2003 XLT I first thought it was my Transfer case. leap-frogged home home after thanksgiving to a series of Grinds and pops and clanks. Oddly enough i noticed that things would run "better" if i gave it 10 minutes to cool down between trips until it built up heat and made a racket again.

Front end is tight and 3 of 4 wheel bearings new in the last 10 months and didn't seem to make much difference between 4wd auto and 4wd high.

I blocked the vehicle up and put it in drive, and the noise seemed to be coming from the center of the front drive shaft. I've found quite a bit of play and run-out on the back side of the drive shaft.

I took it the the local ford dealer for additional diagnostics because spinning the rear tires did appear to loosely grab the front drive shaft as well, although i could stop the front drive shaft easily with my hand while turning the rear.

I'll advise how things go.

 

[Reynos]

So, just a quick update. Turns out that the drive shaft was bad. The end near the transfer case had a ripped & torn boot and is very loose. In my case the sound must have come from the CV joint and noise translated in the shaft.

Unfortunately now, i have a high pitched whine in 4x4 high when coming to a stop. The roads were wet so i thought i might be ok getting some slip and still test the new drive shaft, don't know if this is just because things are tight and need to run-in a little, or if there is something else going on.