BajaRunner

I've had this chirping noise coming from under my truck for the past few months.

It happens when:

1) I have been driving a lot
2) When Im coasting down a hill
3) Driving around 30 mph when I barely have my foot on the gas

Its annoying as hell.

I thought it was my front diff for a while, but, I dont think it is. I thought it was coming from my wheel wells but, it appears to be coming a little further back towards the middle of the truck.

pat161

Have you checked the universal joints?

BajaRunner

Good point. I was thinking about seeing if they needed some lube.

I need to go buy a grease gun and try that.

Any other ideas?

rimpainter.com

Is it a 5-speed? If so, this is a known problem. Let us know if it is, we can tell you more.

BajaRunner

No, its an automatic.

Its almost like a vibration noise which is causing this squeeking chirping.

I kept on thinking it was my lower shock bolt squeeking around, but, its something internal. Either from the engine or the transmission... I can now hear a slight "click" behind the squeek. I checked all the body mounts and everything.

It sounds more like the area of the front, but, it could be coming from the back..im not sure....

I had my girlfirend drive it and I stuck my friggin head out the window and I counldnt tell wher eit was coming from hah

BajaRunner

Bump.

It's definetly internal.... coming from behind the engine somewhere near the transmission.

Only happens when I am moving.

Sounds like a loose bolt in my suspension, but, its not. Thats the best description I can give.

I know the timing chain is up front, but, would that be giving this weird chirping sound?

I lubed the driveshafts, still have the noise.

Please help

BajaRunner

Do CV's make any weird noises if they are worn out?

What other things make noises in the front suspension...

1) Lower ball joint? Looks like the lower BJ is leaking out grease
2) Tie rod end?
3) Wheel bearings?

rimpainter.com

You have a belt on this motor. It is highly unlikely this is the culprit. Have you checked all your drive belts and idler pulley?

bflooks

if you are talking about an intermittent slow rattle/not exactly squeek/irritating as all hell sound, then i have it. only i have a 5spd with the 4cyl. 98 runner. it started about a month ago, and only at speeds up to about 35mph do i hear it. so...what is it? haha

BajaRunner

How do I check the idler pulley and belts? I know to look for cracks, but, do you mean if they are loose?

rimpainter.com

The idler pulley will have to be checked with the belt off. That is actually a pretty easy check from accessing it from the bottom. And with a rig with that much lift, it should be cake. Once you get the belt off, you can spin it by hand and check from sound/binding. It should not wobble if you grab it and move it back and forth.

As for the belts, I am speaking mainly of proper tension. I have never used a gauge on my belts, and never had a problem. You should be able to do this by hand. Check the belts after the pulley.

BajaRunner

Hmm okay, sounds good. Good learning experience because Ive never touched my belts before

Just have to look in my chiltons manual and check to see which the idler pulley is and how to get the belt off lol.

TechWrench

From the first description, I doubt it is an engine belt. If it was, you would get the noise without the vehicle moving. I think you may still have a u-joint problem. If the joint is bad enough, lubrication will not stop the noise.

rimpainter.com

I agree if that is the case. However, I had a hard time figuring out if it was only while moving. Probably just me reading too fast.

Mad Chemist

I assume if you put the brakes on while still pushing the gas (to maintain speed) that the squeeking doesn't go away- this would rule out a brake pad issue.