dilljeepo

So this issue is on my wrangler, but same everything as cherokee, 4.0L, manual 5 spd, 2000, np231 T-case, dana 30 front and 8.25 rear. Something is squeaking while I am driving at lower speeds and RPM's, only happens when I am giving it just enough gas to maintain speed, if I juice it the squeaking stops, and if I take my foot completely off it won't squeak. It's not the clutch I assume, because it only happens when I am driving (not clutching), and not when I am sitting still revving. SO, is it a joint? Seems to be coming from the front, when searching it I got someone saying it was a centering joint, but not sure if this is my problems as his symptoms were slightly different than mine. Thanks for help from anyone who posts.

On a side note, engine oil started leaking out from where tranny meets engine, any quick and easy way to fix that? Seems hard to change

Radi

Does the squeak change with road speed? If you coast in neutral while the noise is happening, what happens to the noise? How about if you gently turn the steering wheel left and right while the noise is happening? Louder? Quieter? Gone?
Have you inspected the front driveshaft joints? If you see rust dust around the caps- you probably found it.

dilljeepo

If I coast in neutral no noise, Turning steering wheel makes no difference, its all on throttle, no throttle-no soise, tons of throttle- no noise, mild throttle to slowly accelerate or keep my same speed- annoying ****ing squeaking sound. Maybe I just have 100 sparrows in my jeep somewhere...
Inspected front driveshaft, when I grab and shake it moves a bit, but its not in U-joints, it seems to wobble around the yoke? Or around there
-no rust dust, or if there is I can't see it, it's my off-roading machine so theres a lot of dust under there anyway...

Radi

I assume the transfer case is full? Next thing I'd do is pull the front driveshaft and see if the noise goes away.

dilljeepo

I think thats my next move, after wiggling and shaking and greasing and lubing everything I could under there, the noise is still there and it pisses me off, it's ok to drive without your front driveshaft then? Just take it out and away you go?
Think it might be the "centering joint"? Ever had troubles with one of those?
Thanks for your help man, appreciate it

t-case is full, dirty but full

Radi

No problem pulling the front shaft operating in 2WD. I don't know much about that particular joint never having had to replace one, but did find this article you may find interesting while trying to see what exactly was there. "angry sparrows", lol same as your description.
http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/driv...iveshaft-5.htm

dilljeepo

one last question, should I take out the slip yoke or should I leave it in for driving and just take off the retainer clips on both ends? Thanks man, great find!

Radi

For test purposes you can disconnect the front of the shaft @ the differential pinion flange and wire it up out of the way. No need to disconnect @ the transfer case, just stay in 2wd. That'll stop the front shaft from turning while you drive.
Don't leave it that way any longer than necessary to diagnose the noise lest the wire you held it up with breaks and you become an olympic pole-vault champ.

dilljeepo

So I disconnected driveshaft and wired it out of the way, still squeaking noise, went to napa and talked to the guys there, and they tell me it's the release bearing on the clutch. I don't know what else it would be, I inspected all driveline components and anything that would be squeaking and the noise still persists. I imagine this is a big job, and I don't have time for it so ill have to take it in to get it done. Question to everyone out there- if this has happened to you could you tell me what price you payed to get this fixed? I don't want to be that guy who got bent over taking it in to a mechanic, and also, should I change my clutch at the same time? Seems worth it, clutch is old and while the plate and everything has to come out already, might be worth changing? Thanks for any input guys. As a side note I am trying Lucas power steering stop leak fluid, and kleen-flo stuff to stop engine oil leaks, i will let you guys know how it goes, if anyone is interested

And also- is it safe to keep driving? I need it for work the weather is getting bad, not motorcycle weather!!!

Radi

Does the noise change at all if you feather the clutch lightly while it's squeaking?

Yes, I'd replace the clutch as long as it's open. Yes it should be safe to drive for a while, you'll know when the squeak turns into a grinding growl that the time has come to park it.

That lucas PS stop leak actually does work, it's the only Lucas product that's useful, IMHO. Don't run more than 50-60% up there where it gets cold, lol. It'll raise the power steering pressure to the point where parts start failing. It's really thick.

dilljeepo

Sage advice, thanks for that. The noise goes away when the clutch is in, but other then that the sounds doesn't change, always sounds like sparrows, no grinding or anything else. Ya I am going to leave it for a while and see if it gets worse or anything. Good to hear that stuff works though, getting tired of power steering spots on my driveway... Thanks for all your input