(1) U-Joints

I'd been hearing a metal on metal sound from the rear of the Runner when accelerating uphill. Went to drive this past Saturday morning and the Runner felt like it was going to shake itself to part. Long story short had the U-Joints replaced and the shaking stopped. Driving on the highway today I noticed that the shaking begins to occur again right at 50-55 mph. It's not as bad but it feels similar.

Mechanic told me that its not the U-Joint but the steering linkage was worn and loose. Does this sound right?

(2) Brakes

Recently I've been hearing a squeaking/chirping noise when letting off the brakes. As well, the car shimmies when braking from high rates of speed. Any suggestions?

As always thanks to all those who respond and help on here!

John P.

 

Steering linkage needs replacing from a shake from the rear? NO.

How long has it been since you had your tires balanced and rotated? Has the rear drive shaft been rebalanced since u-joints replaced?

Service the brakes. Change pads. Turn rotors.

 

First thing I checked last Saturday was the tires (had them pulled and balanced) so I don't think its that. I highly doubt the rear-drive shaft was rebalanced after the U-Joints were replaced. The mechanic and I got under the car and he jiggled the steering linkage to show me it was loose but honestly I wouldn't know either way.

 

Loose steering would cause your truck to wonder back and forth on the road, but it wouldn`t cause a shimmie, that would possibly be related to the brakes.

 

I am having similar issues with my U-joints. I get a squelching high-pitch metal on metal sound if I down shift or even if I let off the accelerator while still in gear and the vibrations you spoke of.

I am going to swap out my ujoints and have the shafts balanced. When I get this done next week I will let you know if it goes away.

Jeremy

 

*miss read your original post. Hope you figure it out.

 

bad ball joints will cause a shimmy in the front end at various speeds. I had one that started at 15 mph and went away at 25 mph. I had another one start at about 30 mph and go away again at about 45 mph. It all has to do with tire type and size, weight of front end and some other stuff. drive line issues start slowly and get worse but do not go away, If you can drive out of the shimmy, check your ball joints (king pins, tie rods etc.)

 

Can someone post the link to the rear and front u joint replacement? I'm assuming front and rear are same? Also how do you rebalance the shaft after u replace u joint? Is it something a shop has to do? I need an alignment anyway so maybe they can do both

 

Here is a link for my 1982. I would go with the Non-serviceable ujoints unless you are willing to actually get down there and pump grease threw them as often as you drain/swap the oil. And yeah you need to get a shop to balance the shaft for you. Also just have them pop the old joints for you. They will have a heavy duty press and not only can they do it fast but they wont(shouldn't) damage anything. Also don't let them charge you too much for it. I had a place do everything for $45 a week ago. Another shop wanted $25 per joint and no balance. Look for a Drive-line specialty shop.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...39_2935%2C7709

 

http://www.4x4wire.com/tech/axle/ujoint/