U Joint Problem

[tom463219]

Has anybody had any problems with u joints on their E 450? I just noticed a noise, sounds like a chirping noise, when moving at a very slow speed. It's too fast for a wheel to be making it. I was thinking it might be a worn u joint. I tried sitting with the brake on and shifting from drive to reverse and back, listening for a clunk, but haven't noticed anything wrong. No excess vibrations either. Just annoying chirping sound right now. Thanks.

[Jopopsy]

Try pulling the front hubcaps off. I had a rig that did the same thing.

[Nature Ist]

Most likely it's the U-joint. Very hard to get it to squeak or even show sign of wear visually in the beginning. You can look at the bearing cups to see if there is any evidence of rust around the seal, but that's not always visible early on.
I would spray some WD-40 on the the cups and cross journal, if that stops the squeak, then you should replace the U-Joint soon.

[tom463219]

Originally Posted by Jopopsy

Try pulling the front hubcaps off. I had a rig that did the same thing.

Thanks for the suggestion. I tried that and still chirping. I had the hubcap problem before and readjusted the cap and that went away.

[tom463219]

Originally Posted by Nature Ist

Most likely it's the U-joint. Very hard to get it to squeak or even show sign of wear visually in the beginning. You can look at the bearing cups to see if there is any evidence of rust around the seal, but that's not always visible early on.
I would spray some WD-40 on the the cups and cross journal, if that stops the squeak, then you should replace the U-Joint soon.

I will try your suggestion and give U Joint a shot of WD-40 to see if thats the problem. Thanks.

[RetiredOne]

Originally Posted by tom463219

I will try your suggestion and give U Joint a shot of WD-40 to see if thats the problem. Thanks.

Aren't there also one or two hangar bearings, since the driveshaft is so long? You might also want to hit them with WD40 too.

[tom463219]

Originally Posted by RetiredOne

Aren't there also one or two hangar bearings, since the driveshaft is so long? You might also want to hit them with WD40 too.

If the WD 40 doesn't work on the u joints I will try the hangars. Thanks.

[hamerjk]

Just a thought maybe the brakes? They have a warning like chirping when need to replace? Not any type of mechanic but I know on my car they do chirp when they need to be replace.

[tom463219]

Originally Posted by hamerjk

Just a thought maybe the brakes? They have a warning like chirping when need to replace? Not any type of mechanic but I know on my car they do chirp when they need to be replace.

Last time I rotated the front tires a few months ago, they looked like they had a lot left on them, but I'll check them. Thanks.