Starting to get a high pitch squeal while moving. Not brake related. Something in the drivetrain. It first became noticeable when going up long steep grades.

I suspect its the u joints. Anything else I should consider?
Fortunately there's no shuddering/howling/vibrations/grinding.

Anybody got a link for a good u joint write-up for these vans?


Thanks

 

After reviewing the FSM, looks like driveshaft removal is pretty straigtforward.

• Put vehicle in park
• I'm gonna lift at the rear axle for clearance so will chock the front wheels.
• Jack stand just under the drive shaft.
• Mark/index the shaft/joints.
• Remove 2 rear U Joint straps (4 bolts)
• Lower rear of shaft and slide shaft towards rear to remove slip yoke from transmission tail shaft.

U joint replacement is straigtforward as well and documented well in the FSM.

Any opinions on Moog U Joints? I was going to pick up the Moog Greasable Super Strength Part #295 w/ the lock rings that sit on the outer part of the caps.

 

I have always used NAPA u-joints and had a tech I know press em in for me...It makes for about a $100 job

 

What does the $100 cover...parts and labor?

 

yes...

 

Sounds about right. I have a 12-ton press that I use to change u-joints. Occasionally I run across a set that just won't budge. So I take the u-joints and the drive shaft to this local automotive machine shop and he changes them for $20 labor per u-joint.

 

Niiiiice!

 

Well i replaced the rear u joint even though it was ok (front was a good newer spicer and left it as is) and still have squeaking noise back there somewhere.

Maybe its something worth the brakes after all. Will be the umpteenth time fiddling with these dang drums/shoes. Everything in there had been replaced within the past year or so.

It happens kinda random and seemsd to be more often going up inclines.

Anyone ever have wheel bearings squeak? I never heard of them doing that.

Otherwise I'm out of ideas.