Topic: Transfer Case or Driveshaft Squeak/Squeal

[rockymtn89]

I have a  23-spline dual t-case setup that's been recently (within 2 years) rebuilt behind an old R151f tranny. Recently, there is a squeak/squeal (kind of like a bird chirping) coming from the rear of the drivetrain (sounds like it's between the front seats). It starts around 20-30 mph but seems to diminish with increased speed.

At first, I thought it was the CV joint, so had that replaced with an OE one. The driveshaft shop told me the original OEM u-joints looked fine in both the original shaft and the "new to me" CV joint, however, I've heard they can look good but still be bad. I asked the shop to replace the joints with Matsuba ones I have on hand, but they refused to do so, insisting that the originals were in great shape.

Given this, is there anything in the dual cases that would make an squealing sound? Anyone have any experience with this? Any and all ideas are welcome. My next step may be to ignore the shop and put the Matsuba joints in this shaft. Thoughts or ideas are much appreciated.

[emsvitil]

Remove the driveshaft and run in front wheel drive and see if it makes the noise.........

[rockymtn89 [OP]]

I did that before having the CV replaced. It appeared to go away, but my rig isn't exactly quiet running in 4WD so it's really hard to hear to confirm/deny any noises.

[tyes]

take off rear drive line and stay in 2WD and just let it run. or put jacks stands on the rear axle and have someone rev it to 20-30 mph and you take a look..

[rockymtn89 [OP]]

I took off the rear driveshaft last night and let it spin. Driving in 4WD (essentially front wheel drive) under load, it makes the noise. With no load on it (in 2WD with the t-case output just spinning) there's nothing but some gear noise. I'm taking the boot/interior out today to see if it's simply hitting something. If it's just a boot, I'll feel really stupid.

[rockymtn89 [OP]]

If there's any load, regardless of boot configuration, 4WD/2WD, or driveshaft, it makes the noise. It has good oil levels, and I don't see anything rubbing. Maybe I'll just run it and see...

[Volcom]

Mine has the same noise!  Except mine is very loud and sounds like the rear output bearing is going out.  I really hope it's not the case.   

[BigMike]

How about the dust shield of the rear (or front) flange? It could be bent and contacting the transfer case housing.

[rockymtn89 [OP]]

Mine has the same noise!  Except mine is very loud and sounds like the rear output bearing is going out.  I really hope it's not the case.   

We can make lots of noise at the Jambo! I only wish I could trailer my rig, just in case something goes BANG! I sent in my registration today; hopefully you'll get it by Friday.

[rockymtn89 [OP]]

How about the dust shield of the rear (or front) flange? It could be bent and contacting the transfer case housing.

It doesn't look like this is an issue. It is close but difficult to tell if it's touching. The output flange/shaft are tight with no play (manipulated by hand, however). Is there enough movement in the output shaft under torque that it would make noise at some RPMs, but not others?

[rockymtn89 [OP]]

How about the dust shield of the rear (or front) flange? It could be bent and contacting the transfer case housing.

BigMike-

Have you ever seen a stock Toyota U-joint (Koyo) with 2 grease zerks? The CV that the shop welded on my driveshaft has Koyo joints, but there are 2 grease zerks on each joint (so a total of 4 u-joint zerks + 1 CV ball zerk on the CV unit. I'm wondering if someone cobbled together parts for ujoints or if this is an OE design. I have a hunch the squeak is a ujoint, despite what the driveshaft shop says.