I own a 2001 4x4 ext. cab Slt Dakota. I put it in 4 wheel drive the other day because of the snow. When I turn hard to the left it makes a bad grinding noise that is worse when it is in reverse. Also, while 4x4 is engaged and I'm speeding up or slowing down on the highway, I can hear a squeaking noise that varies in speed directly with my wheel speed. (so as a go faster, the squeaking gets faster and when I go slower it is slower). If I jack up the front end with 4x4 engaged, can I try to wiggle the tire to see if the u joint is bad or is there a better way to check? Also. What is a good quality replacement for those front u joints if I do end up needing to replace them?

 

What transfer case do you have? Full or part time?

If it's coming only from the left side it could be a CV joint. Look at the CV joint and see if the boot is torn or you have a lot of grease around it. There are no u-joints on the front axles. Less likely it may be the hub.

But, I'm thinking it's the front driveshaft causing the noise. Look at the CV joint on the driveshaft. Usually the seal fails and they'll be all rusty.

 

My transfer case is part time. at least i think it is. (I can switch from 2wd to 4hi and 4lo). if it is my CV joint is it recommended that i replace the whole front drive shaft? if so, what would you recommend i get as far as brand and so forth of the new drive shaft?

 

I assume you already checked your brakes?

It sounds like either a CV joint or hub bearing to me, too. If it is a CV joint, the easiest thing is to replace the whole axle shaft. They aren't very expensive or hard to replace.

U-joints spin much faster than wheel speed, so if you're hearing a squeak at wheel speed, it's something else.

 

I ruled the brakes out because the noise only occurs when 4wd is engaged.

Assuming that it is the cv, where would i look to buy that replacement part and what is a good quality brand that I should look for?

The squeaking doesn't so much occur at wheel speed but rather increases and decreases in speed and intensity as my wheel speed increases and decreases.

 

correct me if wrong, but the front diff/CV's/driveshaft all still spin in 2WD, right?

 

Yes, they do. The only difference is that in 4wd they are under power.

Remember, a part time transfer case locks the front and rear axles together. Any turns at all, or different sized tires, put a lot of force on the transfer case and driveline.

It really is meant only to be used in situations where there is poor traction.

 

I just checked my cv joints on the driver side and I'm not noticing any excessive grease. There is a fair amount of rust however.

If I jack up the front end with 4x4 engaged can I wiggle the tire to see if there is any play in the cv or will that not work?

 

There's always going to be some play in the drive line. I don't think it will help but give it a shot.