2000 Seirra Squeaking - Driveshaft?

Grip72 · September 23, 2009

so my truck started squeaking and it sounds like the driver's side but I can't be sure.

It seems to be the driveshaft as we put a mark on it and then my buddy watched it as a I drove and it always squeaked at the same rotational position. There are no grease nipples for the u-joints so I'm at a lose for what it could be or how to fix it.

Can anyone help?

(i plan on jacking it up either tonight or this weekend and laying underneath while the wheels turn to get a better look, but i just want other opinions or suggestions on what to look for/possible causes)

if it is the u-joints, how hard are they to replace? expensive?

txab · September 23, 2009

Do you have the 2 piece d'shaft? If so, look closely at the carrier bearing in the center.

Be sure and use jackstands while you're under there. Does the sound happen when you first start moving and when you're stopping? If you suspect the the u joints after your next inspection then the best way to check your U joints is to remove the d'shaft and then rotate the joints by hand. You can tell if they're rough, stiff or loose. The loose you can tell when on your vehicle most of the time. You can change them out yourself. You'll need something to press them out. A big bench vise or a press will work. One thing you might do is remove the d'shaft and take it down to someone who can press the old out and the new in. Most driveline shops will do this for you. Just take your new joints with you. Parts are not expensive.

Grip72 · September 23, 2009

Do you have the 2 piece d'shaft? If so, look closely at the carrier bearing in the center.

Be sure and use jackstands while you're under there. Does the sound happen when you first start moving and when you're stopping? If you suspect the the u joints after your next inspection then the best way to check your U joints is to remove the d'shaft and then rotate the joints by hand. You can tell if they're rough, stiff or loose. The loose you can tell when on your vehicle most of the time. You can change them out yourself. You'll need something to press them out. A big bench vise or a press will work. One thing you might do is remove the d'shaft and take it down to someone who can press the old out and the new in. Most driveline shops will do this for you. Just take your new joints with you. Parts are not expensive.

thanks for the advice

and yes i'll use jackstands. it is not a 2 piece driveshaft. it does it when i take off, not under braking though. just leaving stops. i can't tell if it's doing it at highway or higher speeds because there's too much noise. but ya it's super annoying when i leave lights or stop signs!