Squeak/scrape coming from driveline on my '89

[timmyj72]

I'm a little worried that I've got something about to fail. What I'm hearing is a squeak, or sometimes a metal-on-metal shaving type of scrape when I'm under power. The noise has gotten progressively worse and more frequent. It happens in forward and reverse. I've poked around underneath and can't seem to find any loose shielding or anything rubbing. I've got the top off, so I can hear it pretty clearly, and it seems to be coming from below and behind me. Is this the sound of a failing rear end, U-joints, trans, tranfer case, etc? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[fourwd1]

Put the rear axle up on jackstands and rotate by hand. With your head right there, it will be easier to locate where the noise is coming from.

 

[timmyj72]

Tried that already, ran it through the gears, it only seems to make the noise under power/load. I did hear a tinging noise that sounded like it was coming from inside the driveshaft, near the rear end.

 

[Philbert]

your driveshaft is about to fall off - no joke

This is the EXACT symptom I had when mine went bad.

it was only under load and got worse over time.

While driving it to my mechanic to take a look at it, my driveshaft fell off (from the front) at 35 MPH. 2 blocks from my mechanic.

I got really lucky - could have been on freeway and I might not be here.

Get it checked ASAP and drive slow till then!

 

[timmyj72]

Ok, I'm no mechanic, but what in the world is on the inside of a driveshaft that would make noise? I was under the impression that they were hollow, or even solid...

 

[timmyj72]

Re: your driveshaft is about to fall off - no joke

This is the EXACT symptom I had when mine went bad.

it was only under load and got worse over time.

While driving it to my mechanic to take a look at it, my driveshaft fell off (from the front) at 35 MPH. 2 blocks from my mechanic.

I got really lucky - could have been on freeway and I might not be here.

Get it checked ASAP and drive slow till then!

So, what exactly is wrong? I checked the bolts, they're tight. I greased the fittings on the U-joints. What is the failing point, and what do I need? Driveshaft, U-joints, rear end, new truck (lol)?

 

[Philbert]

hmmmmm....

in my case, the drive shaft had back its way off the yoke to the transfer case when it finally went. Was kind of a freak thing. My mecahnic was totally at a loss to explain how/why it happened.

You sound pretty mechinically inclined - it may be the time to take it in for a professional to look at it if you can't figure it out - just a second opinion, you know?

Hope it's not too much trouble - GL!

 

[timmyj72]

- it may be the time to take it in for a professional to look at it if you can't figure it out - just a second opinion, you know?

I think you're right, so I'm taking it in tomorrow. Hopefully they can get this done quick, I'm supposed to go crawling in Death Valley this weekend.

 

[timmyj72]

Phlbert, good call on the driveshaft, the Toy dealership confirmed that it needed to be replaced. $550 for the part alone, ugh...:beer: