From my searches and experience it seems like the most common symptom of a bad u joint is squeeking, however I have a clicking sound coming from the rear. It is very consistent with speed; more ticking/clicking with more revs, but when I slow down it becomes louder and more erratic, with no "pattern" to it. By slow I mean under 10 or even 5 mph. When I jacked the rear off the ground and put it in gear there was absolutely no sound. The truck has 100k, I've had it since 29k and haven't replaced anything besides the rear diff fluid about 10k ago. Does this sound like a U joint or something else? I suppose with this mileage it wouldn't hurt to change it anyway.

 

i had the same thing in my 97. turns out one of the studs had basically rusted and turned to dust all the needle bearings. when you jack it up off the ground, change from drive to reverse and see if it does it. that is how i figured it out.

 

If the rear-end is off the ground, put the transmission in neutral with engine off, then crawl underneath, and rotate the driveshaft by hand one direction then the other.

Watch the U-Joint closely on change in direction. There should be absolutely zero play.

I've always heard a 'ling-ling-ling' sound on a failed u-joint, worsening when there is no load on the driveline.

If the joint hasn't been greased in a while, or it happens to be one of those widely famous 'grease-less' joints, it is likely time for a replacement.

 

yeah i have never had very good luck from one of those "never-lube" joints. but that is just my experience.

 

Yes, u-joints can click. Have had them do both squeak and click.

 

Do you have rear disc brakes? I had a speed sensitive clicking from the rear, and it turned out to be a rusted/broken E-brake pad.......

 

Replace the u-joint

 

Like F151, I had the same problem with clicking in the rear...it turns out it is the E-brake pads.

 

Thanks, I'll try all of that. It does seem to be localized to the passenger side so the e-brake may be the culprit. Also with the mileage I'll likely replace the u joint anyway. Tomorrow is the work day so I'll tear into it then.

 

I suggest that if the U-joint looks good - no free play - to leave it alone.

Too many times, I've done things because it felt like the 'right thing' to do, only to end up with a major headache that could have at least been put off.

If something needs to be replaced, and it turns out to be a challenge, fine. If something doesn't need to be replaced, and it turns out to be a challenge, then D'Oh!!!!

 

The u joint looked good, no play whatsoever. I isolated the sound to one side and pulled the rotor and like F151 and cowboy, the e brake pad had broken apart. I replaced both sides and everything seems fine now. Thanks for the tips, once again you saved me a lot of aggravation. Although my girlfriend did suggest I check the brakes when the sound first started, that's twice if you're keeping score; she is.