I'm a rookie Jeep owner as we just bought a 1997 TJ I6, automatic with 105K miles 3 weeks ago. It drove great for the first 2 weeks then strarted a squeaking sound when taking off from a stop...I would say it may sound like the "angry sparrow" sound I've read about. The noise goes away shortly after take off, but now have vibration with load (during acceleration and foot on gas) and stops with foot off gas. Does this sound like a rear drive shaft u-joint issue?
Vibration with acceleration
- Thread starter JPFUN97
- Start date
Assuming this vibration didn't start to happen after the installation of a lift or something, then yes, I would say it's more than likely a bad u-joint.
RockAuto.com best place to get them? Thought I'd do the non-greaseable since I have a Skyjacker skid plate and the front is not accessible for maintenance.
Not sure, my off road shop does driveshafts , so they did mine. You can drop the shaft and drive it in 4wd hi and verify the noise is gone .
Asking as I do not know. Why would this be a rear vs a front or possibly axle ujoint?
It could be , as both turn all the time .
That’s why you drop a shaft .
The rear does most of the work,and is under load , so start there on a vibration if it’s under low speed acceleration .
Most shops yank the front first on high speed vibes .
I repaired mine myself this morning in about 2 hours including going to the store to buy them prior to going on a Jeep run. I did the rear because of the vibration only under load (foot on gas and accelerating). When I let off the vibration went away. The noise was only during take off from stop and only lasted a couple seconds. After I removed the rear shaft I was skeptical the joints were the problem because they were tight with no movement. I replaced both joints (at axle and trany) anyways and completely cured all noise and vibration. Drives great now and had no problems during Jeep run today. There is a youtube video showing how to replace the joints with a hammer instead of having to use a press. It worked perfectly. FYI...make sure you put on the parking brake and block the rear wheels. As soon as you pull the rear joint off the axle the jeep will roll if you don't, because it will free wheel at that point.
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