Squealing noise 2000 Silv 4x4

[rjirvine]

My 2000 extended cab 5.3 z71 4x4 has started making a squeaking/squeaking noise. It sounds like rubber on metal. It varies with driveshaft rotation, so I think it's the drive shaft U-Joint (forward end). I had a friend walk along the truck and he says its definately coming from between the cab and bed area, and is equal on both sides. The truck has 97k miles on it. I took a look at it and everything looks fine, and the driveshaft doesn't have any play in it. The u-joints are the kind with the snap ring on the outside.

 

Should I replace them with sealed units or lubeable ones? I take it I can use a vice and a couple of sockets (one big and one little) to get the old joints out? Just looking for some advice. Thanks

[ken1mod]

My 2000 extended cab 5.3 z71 4x4 has started making a squeaking/squeaking noise. It sounds like rubber on metal. It varies with driveshaft rotation, so  I think it's the drive shaft U-Joint (forward end). I had a friend walk along the truck and he says its definately coming from between the cab and bed area, and is equal on both sides.  The truck has 97k miles on it. I took a look at it and everything looks fine, and the driveshaft doesn't have any play in it. The u-joints are the kind with the snap ring on the outside.

 

Should I replace them with sealed units or lubeable ones? I take it I can use a vice and a couple of sockets (one big and one little) to get the old joints out? Just looking for some advice. Thanks

 

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Do the vice thing if it works, I usually have to use a hammer.

 

Ken

[rjirvine]

Yeah, i've used a hammer in the past, on my 1988 truck. But since truck is "my baby" I am worried about bending the ears on the driveshaft (even if ever so slightly).

[Elwood 2000]

This may be something in left field here, but have you considered your parking break assembly? Mine is shot and squeeks just like you describe from time to time.

[Indy]

Don't use a hammer on an aluminum driveshaft, it could end up costing you a lot more than a U-joint. You might as well replace both U-joints at the same time with greaseable ones, I don't like the sealed ones myself. If you can borrow the proper tool for the job, it makes it fast and simple.