2nd Gen Ram Tech 1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.

Bad Driveshaft U-Joints?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 28, 2012 | 11:47 PM
  #1  
CharlieSheenWins's Avatar
CharlieSheenWins
Thread Starter
|
Professional
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: DE
Default Bad Driveshaft U-Joints?

Hello everyone, so for the past few months I've had a high pitched squeaking sound coming from the rear of my truck. It only occurs under acceleration when the truck hits the slightest little bumps and changes in the road surface. Speed is not a factor but it is harder to hear when going faster because of wind, road, and truck noise. Could it be u-joints? leaf spring bushings? The shocks are 1 year old so I doubt its them.
Its progressively become worse and is getting very annoying.
I just fixed my squeaky brakes and leaking steering box so now this. Thanks Dodge
 
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2012 | 12:00 AM
  #2  
95RAM360's Avatar
95RAM360
Grand Champion
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,971
Likes: 45
From: MAINE
Default

Grab the driveshaft while its in park and turn it back and forth you should be able to tell that way...my driveshaft will not move at all when in park but i did just do that ujoint about 9the months ago...

If you do change it get a greaseable ujoint...got mine for $11 and took me about half hour to change
 
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2012 | 12:04 AM
  #3  
dodge dude94's Avatar
dodge dude94
Banned Goober Smoocher
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8,916
Likes: 1
Default

U joint.
Dad's truck did the same thing, only both were shot.
 
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2012 | 12:25 AM
  #4  
kejobe's Avatar
kejobe
Record Breaker
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Default

Mine squeaked also. Except there was no noticable play, but they were bad.
 
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2012 | 05:45 AM
  #5  
Lone136's Avatar
Lone136
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: Pa
Default

You will not always get movement in a bad Ujoint.
 
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2012 | 07:10 AM
  #6  
dhvaughan's Avatar
dhvaughan
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,204
Likes: 10
From: Gainesville, Ga.
Default

squeaking is usually how they start, then it can progress into a click.

as said, test by twisting the u-joint back and forth. ANY movement is bad. also visually inspect the seals around the caps. should be intact, tight, etc. if nothing obvious, stick a large screwdriver through the cross and pry back and forth with a little more leverage. any movement indicates it needs replacement.

+1 on greasable, but i recommend the more expensive Precision brand Super-Strength greasables. they're more expensive at $20-30 but worth it.
 
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2012 | 04:17 PM
  #7  
CharlieSheenWins's Avatar
CharlieSheenWins
Thread Starter
|
Professional
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: DE
Default

Thanks everyone. I figured it was a u joint. I believe its going to be the front driveshaft u joint because the rear u joint was replaced already after I blew it plowing over a big snow pile in reverse.
 
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2012 | 04:27 PM
  #8  
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
Administrator
Veteran: Air Force
Community Favorite
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 87,413
Likes: 4,214
From: Clayton MI
Default

Front driveshaft shouldn't be turning if you aren't in 4wd.....

There are two u-joints in the rear shaft though......
 
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2012 | 04:28 PM
  #9  
CharlieSheenWins's Avatar
CharlieSheenWins
Thread Starter
|
Professional
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: DE
Default

I see the confusion haha sorry I worded it that way. I meant the front u joint on the rear driveshaft.
 
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2012 | 04:33 PM
  #10  
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
Administrator
Veteran: Air Force
Community Favorite
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 87,413
Likes: 4,214
From: Clayton MI
Default

LOLOLOL.

Ok, that makes more sense.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:39 PM.