Squeak

[kcsa75]

When I'm driving usually above 30 MPH, I sometimes have an ear-piercing squeak. I can't tell where it's coming from as I only hear it when the truck is moving, but suspect it's the drive shaft. I've checked the wheel bearings and there are no issues there. I suspect the U-joints could stand replacing, but never known U-joints to squeak like this. Could this be a bad carrier bearing?

Any ideas?

[brad_man_72]

could be a bad bearing. Seems to be the problem of the week around here. Ujoints will usually sqeek at parkinglot speeds. You could run the truck on jakstands. If you do end up replacing the bearing be sure to mark how the shafts go together as well as how the bolt on yoke is timed. If you grease the ujoint before you take it apart the needles will be more sticky so they won't fall out as easy.
as a professional I recommend at least having both shafts alllanced as an asembly by a driveline shop.

[Shyguy]

If you have a two piece driveshaft it may be the carrier bearing between the two. Some time as the bearing gets old it will start spinning in the rubber casing making a pretty terrible noise.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

You can unbolt the carrier brg from the frame & give it a spin. There should be no noise from it. U-joints can squek but like 72 says its usually at slow speeds. If there is any binding in the u-joints when you flex the shaft they need replaceing. Look for rust around the edges of the cups.That can indicate a bad U-joint.
It looks like all the responses so far are from Mo. I am right across the border.

[brad_man_72]

well in that case I better see all of you at the kc all truck nats in september.

loose or tight joints need to be replaced. if the bolt on yoke or carrier bearing fall off the stub needs to be replaced. If the ujoint cups are spinning in the trans, bolt on, or weld yokes the yokes and joints need to be replaced. A carrier bearing should have some drag on it if it is hard to spin or spins too freely it needs to be replaced.
try to avoid parts house brand or precision brand stuff. Spicer and neapco are best.

[kcsa75]

Two trips to the parts store, three U-Joints and a carrier bearing later, no more squeak!

Looking forward to see all of you next month in Riverside.

[camrycurt]

Originally Posted by kcsa75

Two trips to the parts store, three U-Joints and a carrier bearing later, no more squeak!

I know this post is a little old, but any tips on how you changed out these parts?