Multiple point sounds...Toyota Tacoma Squeaky Drivetrain, Bad U-Joint, or Carrier Bearings?
The driveshaft assembly is fitted to most rear-wheel drive trucks, four-wheelers and SUVs, or off-road vehicles.U-joints, which are found in pairs on the driveshaft, are used to compensate for the height discrepancy between the transmission and the rear axle.As a side note, rear-wheel drive cars now mostly utilize constant-velocity joints for the same purpose, which permit far smoother flexibility of bend with each rotation of the driveshaft.
Here are some symptoms of a failing universal joint.
The grease fitting on the bearing components of the universal joint can't be used after the vehicle is put into use, limiting their service life.Since the bearing portion of each universal joint twists a small amount with each rotation of the driveshaft, the grease can be thrown out or evaporate.As the drive shaft rotates, the metal-to-metal contact is made and the bearing becomes dry.The squeak can't be heard when the vehicle is moving faster than 5 mph.The universal joint needs to be serviced by a professional mechanic.It is possible to extend the life of your existing U-joints.
The noise indicates that the universal joint bearings have enough clearance to allow the driveshaft to come to a hard stop when power is reversed.After having insufficient grease in the bearings, this can be the next stage of decline.It won't reverse damage to the U-joint, but it may extend its life a bit.
The driveshaft is vibrating because the universal joint bearings are worn enough to allow it to move outside its normal path.Since the driveshaft turns 3-4 times faster than the wheels, this will be a higher vibration than an out-of-balance wheel.The worn universal joint is causing damage to other parts of the vehicle.The universal joint needs to be replaced by a professional mechanic to prevent further damage.Quality replacement U-joints with a grease fitting should be selected by your mechanic to allow for long-term preventative maintenance and extend the life of the bearings.
A badly worn universal joint is the cause of transmission fluid leaking from the rear of the transmission.The transmission output shaft seal has been damaged by the vibration and now leaks transmission fluid.The transmission should be inspected if fluid is suspected of leaking from it.
You've probably seen it before, a truck on the side of the road with the drive shaft lying under the vehicle.The ultimate failure mode for a universal joint is breaking and allowing the drive shaft to fall to the pavement.At this point, repair will include more than the universal joint, and may include full driveshaft replacement or more.
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