WFO

There is a squeak in my girlfreinds 4Runner. It only does it occasionaly and usualy only at speeds around 15-30mph. It sounds like its coming from the rear of the truck. Its worse when youre on the gas or slowing down. Just like a U-joint. Well I took the rear driveshaft off a couple weeks ago and checked out the U-joints and from what I can tell they seem fine. You cant hear this noise when you just jack up the rear tires and spin them.

So how can you really check a U-joint?
and
How else can you find a squeak that you cant hear at slow speeds?


Sorry so long thanks in advance

MTL_4runner

Did you try greasing the joints at all?
If this is a 2WD then nevermind.

WFO

Actualy no. I was out of grease and it stopped making the noise. But im planning on trying that next.

Maj

The joint can be dry and squeak but still not exhibit any wear (yet). To check for wear, chock front wheel, leave in gear, jack up one side of axle just enough for tire to elevate (assuming you don't have aftermarket locker), spin elevated tire back and forth and observe joint for any play.

dirtoyboy

u-joints dont really "squeak" per se.

Does it make the noise if u push down on the rear of the truck? I would look into maybe a squeaky shock bushing

dirtoyboy

the play in a u-joint should be measured by trying to move it side to side...there should be ZERO freeplay..if there is ANY...the joint is on its way downhill

BennyTRD

When greasing U-Joints make sure all the cups are taking grease. If there aren't then you should replace it.

WFO

I checked it out again the other day. Its not exactly a squeak like I said before. Its almost like a tick. But it definatly only happens when youre on the gas. Well I greased it up and it still made the noise. After a day though it stopped. Hopefuly it wont come back. If it does Ill have to look into it more. We shall see.

dirtoyboy

grease those babys every 2500 miles or EVERY oil change.



this is the most commonly overlooked maintenance procedure on toyotas..

if u are in the mud or off road..do it more often..


like pappy always said, "son, grease is cheap. parts aint."