Strange squeak....

[2001ExpSport]

I have the weirdest squeak coming from under my truck and it's definitely external. It is a high pitched sqeak, but it is different that a brake sqeal. It only happens when the truck is cold or has not been driven for about a hour or more. It squeaks at around 20 mph and up. At first it only did it for about 30 seconds while moving and then won't happen again until it has cooled. Now it does it for about 3 or 4 miles, but slowly goes away. I had shifted into N while moving and hit the gas, the pitch of the sqeak does not change. When accellerating in gear, the noise will go away or change pitch. When I slow to less than 20mph it goes away completely. The pitch also sounds like it might be a driveshaft because of the way it sounds. I got underneath and all the joints are tight. I have check every one, transfer, front diff, rear diff and tranny. There aren't any grease fittings so there's nothing to lube. I have been racking my brain trying to figure out what the heck it is. It doesn't seem to be harming anything, but it could be doing some unforseen damage. I haven't taken it into the shop yet, I want to try to figure out what this might be first. If all else fails I'll take it to Ford.

I doubt anyone has ever had THIS problem, but I thought I would take a chance here.

 

[Trapper14]

mine was doing the same thing, possibly the radius arm bushings? thats what it was on mine....

 

[2001ExpSport]

Where exactly are the radius arm bushings? I thought those were part of the suspension?

 

[yob_yeknom]

Originally posted by 2001ExpSport
Where exactly are the radius arm bushings? I thought those were part of the suspension?

Don't worry about radius arm bushings. You don't have them.

The noise does not change with engine speed, does change with road speed, and it's not the brakes? Hmmm... What area of the truck is it coming from? How do you know it is not the brakes?

 

[2001ExpSport]

I know because it's TOTALLY different in pitch and I can here the rotations in the sqeak. It's hard to discribe, but with a brake sqeak it only does it when you apply the brakes or it has a slower pitch. This is really high and has a faster rotation sound. I have narrowed it down to coming from the middle or back end. I am wondering if it has to do with my diff? The weird thing is it goes away after it heats up, with brakes it will get worse as it heats up.

I could be wrong....might just be a stone caught somewhere. The mud bog we went to last month really filled each nook and cranny with mud.

 

[Trapper14]

oopsy didn't notice taht you had 2001 hehe my bad

 

[yob_yeknom]

Hmmm... You've got both me and my dad stumped. The fact that is goes away as things heat up is what's confusing.
I'd start off by pressure washing everything under there to get all the mud off. Then do a good visual inspection of everything that moves. Make sure the universals haven't been damaged and the grease hasn't come out somehow.
Is your differential fluid clean? I'm wondering if it has dirt contaminents in it. When the fluid is cool it may be thick enough to hold the dirt in it, when it heats up it gets thin and the dirt can sink to the bottom. Just an idea...

 

[2001ExpSport]

Ya, that's what I will do.

Also, there is some sort of sensor that is screwed into the diff on top. I tried to follow the wires, but just ended up at a bundle. What is that for? I'll check the diff oil tomorrow.

 

[yob_yeknom]

It's the sensor for the rear ABS. I think on yours it also works the speedometer.

 

[2001ExpSport]

Thanks

 

[yob_yeknom]

No problem.

Keep me posted on what it turns out to be. I'm quite interested in finding out myself.

 

[2001ExpSport]

OK, here's an update. It has gotten louder and is lasting longer. It still goes away completely, but I am getting a little worried.

I checked the diff fluid and I was taught that is is supposed to be right up to the threads. I stuck my pinky as far as I could maybe an inch and it was dry. I did get residual oil on it so I know there is some in there. My theory is that maybe there isn't enough and once the oil gets flung around it stops squeaking. I did hit the diff a while back and bent the edge of the pan by the seal. I had that checked and they said it was fine, but it was always damp with oil. I never found any drippings. Maybe it is only leaking while I am driving?

What about axle/spindle bearings? I have after market 8" rims and 33 Swampers. Is that a possibility?

I am going to pull the diff pan tomorrow and change the oil. Should I get the seal from Ford or will I get ripped off? Is this a readily available item? If I went to Pep Boys is this a stock item? How many quarts of G/O do I need?

I know....so many questions, but I have never done this so it'll be my first.

I'd take it to the dealer, but they always give me **** because it's lifted. Getting warranty work is a *****.

 

[yob_yeknom]

Originally posted by 2001ExpSport
I checked the diff fluid and I was taught that is is supposed to be right up to the threads. I stuck my pinky as far as I could maybe an inch and it was dry... ...but it was always damp with oil.
You should be able to feel oil easily. It is low.

What about axle/spindle bearings
I don't think bearings would stop making noise. Plus they make more of a roar.

Should I get the seal from Ford or will I get ripped off?
There probably is no seal. Silicone sealant is what is commonly used and what I suggest you use. Simply make a thin ring around the diff and cover and go around all bolt holes.

Your owners manual should tell you how much oil and what weight. I suggest going synthetic, and think it's even required in your model. If a parts store doesn't have it, a dealer should have it on hand.

FYI: Refilling the diff is a bi@tch. I did it by putting the front on ramps (jacking it up will work too) and rigging a small hose to the top of the oil bottle. With the front end up it'll be easier to have the bottle in the right position to pour. Then put the hose into the hole and slowly poured. Good luck!

 

[yob_yeknom]

Oh yeah. Make sure you clean off all of the old sealant really well. Kerosene helps a lot. Also make sure the surface is flat and not all bent up.

 

[2001ExpSport]

Thanks for all the help!! I looked in the owners book, nothing about the diff. I'll ask Ford tomorrow. I always thought there was a seal, but silicone works for me. In the Marines the mechs used silicone because the seals took to long to get and we needed it fixed yesterday. I drove the M813/925's(3 axle 10-ton).

Anyway, I'll get some synth. Thanks for the fill tip. I'll post tomorrow.

Thanks again.

 

[2001ExpSport]

P.S. After about a ten mile trip I felt the diff and it was very hot. I could touch it, but not for long. Is this normal? My guess is that it's normal, but wanted to be sure.

 

[scratched 95]

Strange squeak

I had a similar squeak - speed but not gear dependent - that turned out to be the front seal on the transfer case. Dirt/dust gets in there and rubs. The seal wasn't bad, just a dirty shaft. One application of WD40 cleared it and it hasn't come back. It is almost impossible to clean in there.

 

[yob_yeknom]

It shouldn't be all that hot. I drove mine for about 10 miles and it was just barely warmer than the temperature outside. I could hold my hand on it for as long as I wanted.

If nothing else, at least you'll know it's now seeping anymore after you change the fluid.

 

[2001ExpSport]

Pinion shaft bearing

Well, I bought a pair of U-joints because a friend of mine at the local station rode with me and said it sounded like that was the problem. I pulled the driveshaft and then drove it around just to be sure. It still sqeaked so I took it out of 4wd to cycle the tranny and no squeak. Jacked up the rear end and spun a tire and it sqeaked. My friend sat by the diff while I spun the wheel and was able to locate the problem. It is the pinion shaft bearing.

That sucks cuz I don't have the tools for this. So, it's at the dealer and they can't look at it until Thursday. What a bummer. Well at least we found the problem, my guess Ford would have had a hard time locating it on the first visit.

Looks like I won't have to change the G/O after all, I'll get it done through warranty(crossing fingers).

Thanks for all the help John.

 

[yob_yeknom]

Now why didn't I think of that? Makes so much sense it's not even funny.
Glad you found the problem.