squeak while slowing down or reversing

[Clusterpup]

I'm suspecting it maybe a drive shaft u-joint but when I let off the gas, downshift, or reverse I get a fairly loud squeaking sound. Anyone have any ideas what it might be?

 

[wood1]

That would be where I would check first. You really have to yank the drive shaft to properly check the joint. It might be seized but not yet loose.

 

[STrac4me]

I would bet you have a bad U joint. If you go for the change you may as well change both while doing it. Choose a U joint that has an accessable grease fitting; this will help the life of the U joint.

 

[JohnnyO]

Could also be that the grease in the slip yoke has dried out. If it doesn't wiggle much at all now then the u-joints are probably okay but either way you've got to pull the driveshaft so you might as well put in new u-joints anyway.

 

[Clusterpup]

Thanks guys. Im going to go ahead and change both of them with greasable ones this weekend.

 

[Clusterpup]

Yeap it was the ujoint at the rear diff that was the problem. Its changed now and no more squeek and my ass is officially kicked from changing it.

 

[backfrmcolorado]

yep... i just had the same problem.

 

[STrac4me]

Yep....if the U joint is seized in position they can be tough to change. I have a press with a hydrolic hand pump so it was not too bad, but without that you have to do it the old fashion way....the ol' hammer/punch combo. That sounds way too much like work to me.

 

[Clusterpup]

I had a press that looks like a big heavy duty c-clamp that I got as a loner tool from the parts store. It was still a pain though, the joint was really seized up.

 

[STrac4me]

I had a press that looks like a big heavy duty c-clamp that I got as a loner tool from the parts store. It was still a pain though, the joint was really seized up.

This is the same tool I have.....boy that thing must have been in there tough if you still had a problem. I have had to heat them with a torch to get them out before.

 

[Clusterpup]

Yeah I guess a torch would have been helpful but wasn't an option for me. I had to use my leg to push the rachet around and wedge the press under the tire to get the joint out.