Rear end noise

MattDewalt · March 5, 2003

On a long trip Saturday, I started hearing a noise from somewhere in the rear and a vibration above 65 mph. It's in addition to my typical slip yoke clunk. From a dead stop, I hear squeak squeak squeak and then goes away as I approach about 20-25 mph. In reverse, I hear click click click. It takes at least 30 minutes of driving for it to start (I think until it gets hot enough). I thought it was the U-joint, but it is not hot when I touch it. My pumpkin feels cool when I touch it. The only thing that feels hot are both rear rotors but I don't know if that is normal or not. Any ideas or common problems with the rear driveline?

AirForceAngler · March 5, 2003

Sounds like a U-joint is going away.

WEFs99 · March 5, 2003

I agree...U joint.

Redapple · March 6, 2003

Yup- U-Joint

Bill

MattDewalt · March 6, 2003

Thanks, that's what I was leaning towards. If it turns out not to be the problem, it's probably worth replacing anyway at 67,000.

BlueRado · March 6, 2003

Little late here in responding, but I agree - sounds like a U-joint.

Yes, it's normal (gawd, sound like a dealer service adviser now) for the brake rotors to be a *little* warm.

I've heard, on some vehicles I've previously owned slap, slap, slap because the dummy at the brake shop didn't properly shim or nurl (sp) the pad ears. This noise goes away when you brake, BTW, cause the pads are no longer free to move around in the calipers.

ByUBlue · March 6, 2003

I am very sorry to hear about your problem. Unfortunately, all of the previous replies to this post have been WRONG.

Your problem is that in a matter of hours, your truck is going to explode. I happen to be the only one on the planet who knows how to fix this particular problem...that's the good news.

The bad news... is that I charge $23,842.26 to fix it.

Since you probably do not have that kind of cash laying around, the best thing you can do is just deliver the truck to my house before it's too late. I will make the sacrifice (sigh) to put the time in to fix it for free, but will have to keep the truck to cover my time.

It's OK, you don't have to thank me. Giving of myself for a fellow truck owner is the only reward I need.

MattDewalt · March 10, 2003

Well, it was the front U-joint on the rear shaft. It was full of rust, had lots of play, and the needle bearings were completely gone. While at it, I greased my slip yoke and changed the transfer case fluid to AutoTrac II. My driveline clunk is finally gone! It's an eerie feeling driving a truck that makes no noise!

grp · March 11, 2003

Glad to hear you fixed the problem. I have a quick question for you. You mentioned "slip yoke clunk" in your description. Can you explain that a little? My truck makes a unique sound as I take off that appears to be coming from the rearend. It's difficult to describe but I can only think of a deep chirp. Any help is appreciated.

MattDewalt · March 11, 2003

The sound I had is a very common problem with our trucks. It's more of a deeper sound that I would hear when I would stop or accelerate. But it may be the same noise you are hearing. It is caused by a ridge of rust that builds up on the slip yolk that is at the front of the driveshaft. When the rear suspension moves up and down, the slip yolk moves back and forth over the ridge of rust and makes a "clunk". It kind of sounds like you have a lot of play in your rear end gears if you have ever driven anything that did. I fixed it by sanding the rust down and then putting synthetic grease on the yolk before putting it back in.