Universal Joint?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Universal Joint?
Hello,
I am the owner of a 2001 Ranger Edge 4X4 4.0L v6. I notices a squeeking from the read of the truck a few days ago. It seems to be coming from the driveshaft and a number of people indicated that it is the universal joint. The squeeking almost sounds like a fan belt belt squeek and I wasn't sure if that would be the sound that the universal joint would make. The sound is most prominent when I accelerate from a stop and decreases as I speed up until it goes away completely. Does this sound like the universal? If it is how do you replace it? I crawled underneath and looked at the universal and it looks like I remove the 12 point bolts on the rear of the driveshaft and remove the clips on the end of the universal. Do you need a special tool to remove/install the clips or can you just pry them in and out with a screwdriver?
Thanks
I am the owner of a 2001 Ranger Edge 4X4 4.0L v6. I notices a squeeking from the read of the truck a few days ago. It seems to be coming from the driveshaft and a number of people indicated that it is the universal joint. The squeeking almost sounds like a fan belt belt squeek and I wasn't sure if that would be the sound that the universal joint would make. The sound is most prominent when I accelerate from a stop and decreases as I speed up until it goes away completely. Does this sound like the universal? If it is how do you replace it? I crawled underneath and looked at the universal and it looks like I remove the 12 point bolts on the rear of the driveshaft and remove the clips on the end of the universal. Do you need a special tool to remove/install the clips or can you just pry them in and out with a screwdriver?
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Rocky Mountains
Before you remove anything from the driveshaft, the flange and spline should be marked and located so you can replace it in exactly the same position. For good information go to the sticky technical information and scroll down to drivetrain information. Then look at the information on spline lubrication. Lots of excellent information and advice. If the squeak is really a u-joint, you would be better off removing the driveshaft and taking it to an automotive machine shop and let them replace the u-joints and carrier bearing if you have one. I haven't heard of u-joints squeaking, but there is always a first time for everything. I wonder if something might be rubbing some place or else you have one of those sounds that seems to emanate from a certain spot and really originates elsewhere. Do you have u-joints with grease zerks? Some u-joints are greaseable. The flange bolts usually require a 12 point socket and are torqued to about 80 ft-lbs. That requires a lot of leverage on your part. Check out the sticky whatever you do.
