Rear Axle Squeal

[Wahugg]

Hello All,

Over the past week I developed a small squeak that has turned into a metallic squeak/ vibration under load. At first it caused me no alarm as particles sometimes get stuck between the rotor and the pad and eventually fall out. However I began to get concerned when the squeak started to get louder, and when a small vibration started to appear.

Here's what I know.

-It's from the rear axle, un-discernible if its coming from the left, right, or diff.
-Only happens in forward direction
-Very loud under heavy acceleration
-Almost non existent under light acceleration
-Acceleration is smooth; no wobbles from unbalances though a vibration appears when in 3rd and 4th gear. (gets worse as the engine lugs)
-Diff has fluid
-Wheels are properly torqued down
-Is speed dependent not rev dependent
-The tires are not rubbing anywhere
-Brake and E/Brake pressure does not effect the sound at all

If anyone has any ideas that would be great!

Thanks!
-Wahugg


[Youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQSvgzojkFo[/Youtube]

[fishsticks]

Dry U-joints?

[djthumper]

I am with Donny...

[boog2006]

I am with Donny...

What are y'all doing?

[fishsticks]

I am with Donny...

What are y'all doing?

We're gettin the band back together...

[dvanbramer88]

+1 on the U-joints. exactly what it sounds like to me.

[Wahugg]

Thanks guys for the input; I'll defiantly change those out tonight.

However I have a couple of questions even after doing a little research.

I understand that I have to burn out the plastic 'snap ring' that currently holds the u joints in place. However, on the auto-zone replacements, they show a metal snap ring that goes on in replacement. Is this right?

Also, Autozone shows that the front U-Joint and the Rear U Joint is the same. Is this true?

EDIT: Found out that the front and rear U joints are different
Front shaft number: 1-0445DG
Rear shaft number: 2-3011DG


Thanks again guys!

-Wahugg

[Conner299]

I havent changed u-joints on the Blazer, but this sounds exactly the same as what I through with my s-10. Burn the plastic out, it'll ooze very noticably. Press the old one outs, press the new ones in. There will be a recess on the arms of the new u-joints, just on the insides of the driveshaft yoke. That's where the c-clips will go. All the u-joints i have ever changed, front and rear u-joints have been the same. Like I said though, Ive never done them on the TrailBlazer.

[Wahugg]

Well guys i got the new u joint on the rear of the shaft. The old one wouldn't even move, and the needle bearings was just a pile of rust and grit. I just went out for a test drive and now there is a huge vibration.

I marked the drive shaft to the rear with a sharpie so the sides are matched up. The straps are oriented and I even kept the bolts in the right orientation. I'm really hoping its not a bent shaft. I'm gonna turn the shaft 180 degrees just to make sure.

Is there anything you guys can think if that I might be missing?

Thanks!
-Wahugg

[fishsticks]

There are two U-joints on the shaft.

[djthumper]

There are two U-joints on the shaft.

ROFL!

[Conner299]

There are two U-joints on the shaft.

ROFL!

ROFL!...

See.. If there was a "like" button, I wouldn't have to go through all this B.S., of making a wasteful post. Driveshaft u-joints are like shocks, or brakes... Always replace in pairs...

[dvanbramer88]

the needle bearings was just a pile of rust and grit.

That was your squeal. Now go replace the other one!

[djthumper]

See.. If there was a "like" button, I wouldn't have to go through all this B.S., of making a wasteful post.

If there was a "like" button it would be just like on facebook...misused all to hell.

Back to our regularly scheduled posting...

[Conner299]

See.. If there was a "like" button, I wouldn't have to go through all this B.S., of making a wasteful post.

If there was a "like" button it would be just like on facebook...misused all to hell.

Back to our regularly scheduled posting...

I disagree with it being exactly like Facebook... 1. Because of our attitude. We are not a "Society" to give out "Due", where "Due" is not deserved. 2. Of course it would be for members only. 3. If anyone ever abused it(Newbs), they would be hazed unmercifully, until they cried, sold their 360(not their X-Box), and walked away from life... Now, Carry on...

[dvanbramer88]

If anyone ever abused it(Newbs), they would be hazed unmercifully, until they cried, sold their 360(not their X-Box), and walked away from life...

[Conner299]

If anyone ever abused it(Newbs), they would be hazed unmercifully, until they cried, sold their 360(not their X-Box), and walked away from life...

Again... Wish I had a like button...

[djthumper]

I disagree with it being exactly like Facebook... 1. Because of our attitude. We are not a "Society" to give out "Due", where "Due" is not deserved. 2. Of course it would be for members only. 3. If anyone ever abused it(Newbs), they would be hazed unmercifully, until they cried, sold their 360(not their X-Box), and walked away from life... Now, Carry on...

Since Newb is a relative term... And hazing is in effect for newbs making newb mistakes such as misuse of a "like" button or not using the "edit" button to fix a post or even add to a post? Like posting a question and then followed by another post by the same newb?

I don't think you are really going to win the argument newbie...

[Conner299]

I absolutely recognize the fact that I'm a newb... But, I'm at least a newb who has respect for the culture. BTW... Can I fit 34's without spacers? Any help would be appreciated...

[Opeth]

Did you do both u joints? Did you get the clips fully seated? Old straps could be improperly stretched, new ones might also help seat the joints. Rotate 180 degrees if vibration is still there... If that didn't help are the balance weights still in place?

If all that fails, bring it to a drive shaft shop to check balance and trueness. 1&2 should resolve the issue if y