About 2 weeks ago I noticed a squeak, squeak, squeak when going in reverse, definitely tied to speed. Going forward . . . . nothing. Last week the squeak began to appear while going forward.

A mechanic friend of mine checked the u joints, truck in neutral, said they were fine. He identified the noise as coming from the back side of Transfer Case and told me to bring it back and he'd put it on the lift and track the noise down.

Thought I would seek your help first. I changed the fluid, old looked and smelled fine. Is there any maintenance that can be done by pulling the rear drive shaft? Grease, bearings etc.

Thanks.

 

Yes, if you pull the d'shaft, you can check the u-joints more thoroughly and find out if it squeaks. Look for fine red powder around the u-joint seals. While it's out, lock the hubs, shift to 4H, and go for a drive. I bet the noise is gone.



Is your t-case manually-shifted, or ESOF?

 

Steve, thanks for the help.
I'm new to 4x4's, so I'm not sure what ESOF stands for, other than Electronic something. I go into four wheel drive by putting the trans in neutral and then shifting with a lever on the floor. I have automatic hubs, which seem to operate just fine.
Chuck

 

i say u joint also. (driveshaft). ive never heard a t-case squeak. if you sill hear it with the front dirve shaft out, try the rear. put the front back in, remove the rear, put it in 4x4, then you will be pulling with the front, if no noise then you know where to look. if you are on soft ground this will not hurt anything. DO NOT DO THIS ON HARD GROUND (I.E. CONCRETE, PAVEMENT, ETC.)

 

Save this link in your Favorites: Automotive Terms & Abbreviations

 

Thanks for all the help . . . . I really appreciate it; work has got me socked in for a few days, I will report back as soon as I get a chance.
Chuck

 

I've towed another Bronco on a trailer on the interstate with my Bronco while my rear d'shaft was out. It doesn't hurt anything when the truck is in 2WD (whether it's the rear or the front 2 wheels) to drive on pavement. Just don't use 4WD (that means both d'shafts in AND the front hubs locked AND the t-case in 4) on any hi-traction surface (even dry clay) for any distance. It can stretch or break the chain, wear the tires, and cause poor handling.

 

I finally got around to my squeak today. I pulled the drive shaft, as suggested, put it in 4 high and drove a few hundred feet . . . no squeak, that confirmed the squeak was u joints and the mechanic who said TC wrong.

So I changed my ujoints, just working with a large c-clamp as a press, the joint in the read was mostly powder, so now all is good . . . until the next thing.

Chuck