I've got the 2wd 94 Ranger 2.3 with the 5 spd manual (Mazda trans?). 120k miles, nice inexpensive vehicle. Recently, I'm noticing a whirring/squeaking sound that sounds like it's coming from the manual transmission (as I can hear it best through the rear window). When I shift into first, (and a bit in second) at slow speeds, I hear this whirring/squeaking sound. It occurs only when it's in gear, and only when I'm adding power. It gets quicker as I accelerate, and then disappears as I upshift and pick up speed. It stops if I press the clutch or if I'm coasting. I had the gear oil (the manual calls for dextron/mercon) replaced about a year ago, and I added more recently as it's been leaking a bit. I added the fluid with the truck level so as not to overfill. I'd heard from other people that this is common, but I think it's getting a bit louder (or my mind is playing tricks on me?)

Any ideas on the problem?

 

hmm, hows the fluid in the differential?

pretty sure that its not the diff, but it doesn't hurt to look.

other than that I'm stumped, it may be the pilot bearing is going out.

 

I looked at an older post, and spoke with my mechanic. It's the universal joints. Anyway, this place is a great resource.

 

U-Joints?? Are you sure he was a mechanic? From what you described, that problem sounds like a throw-out (or "clutch-release") bearing in your transmission to me.

Let us know....

 

usually bad u joints have a "clunk" noise when going in and out of gear, and usally a bad vibration that comes from the drive shaft.

 

Had the u-joints replaced saturday. The front one was in pretty bad shape, the back one wasn't so bad. The squeak is gone.

 

>Had the u-joints replaced saturday. The front one was in
>pretty bad shape, the back one wasn't so bad. The squeak is
>gone.


cool!