Hey all,

Got a problem but not sure what it is. First off, I have a 2001 Ford Ranger Edge, RWD, automatic trans, 3.0 V6.

Recently I started getting a chirping noise when I'm driving. Initially thought it was the drive belt but after driving some with my window open, I was able to determine that it was coming from the rear axle (or something in that vicinity).

I only get the noise when I'm accelerating or pushing the gas pedal a decent amount, and for some odd reason the last 10 feet or so when braking to a stop (the latter may be a separate problem or just brake squeal but not certain). But it is primarily when I'm on the gas pedal. It's a chirp-chirp-chirp kinda thing, and the faster I'm going the faster the chirping.

It does NOT do it when I'm coasting (regardless of my speed), idling, or pushing the gas while in park/stationary. The only time I can avoid the noise is when I'm already up to speed, and barely touching the gas pedal (even then I'll still get it sometimes).

Anyone have any ideas? TIA

 

Last time I had sounds like that, my rear U-Joint was going out.

 

I had that on my old f-100, the u-joint was shot.

 

Ah ok.

Yeah, I found a few other threads on here that cited the U-joint as the culprit, but those people's descriptions of their problem didn't include anything about only getting that noise when pressing the gas, so I figured I might have a different problem.

I've done a lot of repairs myself, but I admit I know basically nothing about the drivetrain.

 

Sure enough. I just took a look under my truck from the side and noticed a leak coming from between the u-joint and the rear differential. Had looked under there previously from the back but couldn't see it.

 

That could mean the rear differential seal is gone bad.

 

Yeah, that's what I was just reading on some old threads I found. The ujoint side towards the front of the truck is dry. The leak is coming from rear differential side the connection and running down along the differential towards the back.

So that's the pinion seal then?

 

That's not making your noise. It's the U-joint.

 

Make sure ya keep oil in the rear Differential if ya plan to use it for a few days before fixing it. As long as it is leaking you are okay. It's when the leak stops that you need to worry.

 

True, but when he goes to replace the u-joint, I'm sure he'll replace the pinion seal also.

 

might want to describe the steps in pinion seal replacement before he goes and just rips the nut off and then doesn't have the right amount of preload on the bearings. I would check the diff vent to be sure its not clogged before assuming the seal is bad. A clogged vent will cause it to leak.

 

Ik this thread is old af but if anyone is still around to knowlege me id appreciate it. I just replaced my u joint a month ago because it grenaded 2 of the bearings but i still get the exact same chirp op described. Is there any chance it could be the dif or would ut be more likley a brake issue. 2005 3.0 auto rwd extended cab if that helps

 

Many decades ago, I had a '76 Cobra II (don't laugh too hard. It was a chick magnet and the back seat folded down ) and I had the ring and pinion chip a tooth. It drove just fine, but would make noise when you would decelerate, but was quiet when you accelerated.