Started hearing a rotational 'squeaking' noise a few days ago. Seems to come and go.

I put the Jeep on jackstands and put it in 4wd. With it in gear and tires moving I pinpointed the noise to the area of the front driveshaft yoke where it comes out of the transfer case. Does not seem to be the u-joints. However I sprayed wd-40 on the shaft where it enters the case and the noise quieted down.

It is not a grinding or growling or sound like metal rubbing. It is more of a 'squeak' for lack of a better term. Any ideas?

BTW, it makes it in 2wd also going down the road (as the front driveshaft is rotating).

 

"Angry Sparrows" type of squeak haha?

My first guess would be the front drive shaft centering yoke. Had this happen to me, and a couple people I know. Take the front drive shaft out completely to eliminate the driveshaft as a possibility. I bet when you do the noise goes away.

You can spray it with a type of lithium or Teflon grease, but it will just come back. Spicer replacements in circulation now have a grease hole on them, the old oem Spicers do not.

 

X2 on the center ball. Sounds like a bird chirping. $20 part. You might as well get new u joints too. $40 for the joints.

 

Nobody seems to take the time to grease those joints.

 

I always opt for sealed joints on all my shafts. But always grease the centering ball.

 

+1, mine as well replace them all.

 

I am not familiar with the centering yoke/ball. Are you referring to the 'u-joints' cruiser54 pictured?

Thanks!

 

The center ball is located between the two ujoints. Hense the term, center ball. LOL. It's not a hard job. Did it 2 weeks ago. It took about a hour to replace all of it. Make sure you mark the drive shaft so you don't throw it out of balance.

 

Update, finally got around to trying to fix the 'squeaking' noise.. Pulled the front shaft and the joints/ball appeared ok. Jacked up rear of Jeep and put in gear and gave it some gas. No noise...

Put into four wheel drive and under throttle noise is still present.

Seems to be coming from the front yoke in the transfer case only when that yoke is spinning.

Is there a bearing that the yoke rides on in the case that could be going out? Really not liking the idea of pulling/tearing into the transfer case.

 

Anyone have any ideas?

 

did you ever figure it out?

 

That was 7 years ago. Probably oughta start your own new thread at this point.