tacolover84

I have a 99 prerunner that recently started to make a very pronounced squeak when backing up. The sound seems to be coming from right where the driveshaft enters the rear end, but I am having trouble diagnosing the actual problem. has anyone else had this problem and if so, were you able to find a solution?
Thanks.

gilby4runner

U joint going bad

tacolover84

Thanks for the response! That was my first thought, but I got under there and it sounds like the squeak actually comes from below the u-joint right at the point where the drive shaft enters the rear end. Have you heard anything like that before? I did add more grease to the u-joints, though.

Embfixer

Have you tried servicing the drive train? I had something like that on my 03 Tacoma. It turned out to be the slip on the driveshaft needed greased. I believe it was caused by excessive underbody washing with a pressure washer.

tacolover84

I did re-grease, but I will do it again, as the problem persists. Really trying to avoid taking it to a shop to diagnose, b/c I do all my own mechanic work, but I am just having trouble diagnosing the actual problem.

Embfixer

It took a lot of grease and I also sprayed down the imput shaft to the rear with a lub. Did it start after an under body washing or driving through water?

You could jack one rear tire and put the trans in N and spin the shaft by hand and get some good T/S.

tacolover84

Neither, actually. Drove back from Mexico on Sunday, problem didn't exist when we left. Got home, and noticed squeaking when I backed into the driveway. I don't recall any water. I didn't use that much grease b/c i didn't want it spraying everywhere, but I guess that doesn't really matter. I will add more. I also sprayed the input shaft with a silicone lube already, with no change resulting. Thanks.

tacolover84

What is T/S?

Embfixer

T/S = Trouble Shooting. Maybe your brake shoes too. Good Luck!

tacolover84

I greased the ish out of it and the squeak is gone!! Thanks for all the god advice guys!!

FyrHazard

I had the same problem after a long road trip - greased the u-joints and slip joint and it went away. Probably should've greased them more often beforehand