Hello,

My ranger is making a squeaking noise when I accelerate from a stop for the first few seconds, then it goes away as I accelerate (or is drowned out? but I think goes away). I think it has to be coming from the drivetrain, as it goes away if I push in the clutch. Sounds like it is coming from underneath right where the cab and bed meet, but is likely coming from somewhere else as the driveshaft is solid at that point, no joints or bearings or anything that would squeak. No obvious play in the u joints that I can see, and not a typical bad u joint sound, but I can't think of what else it might be?



When the noise stops in the video, I pushed in the clutch to show that it stops it.

I tried spraying both U-Joints on the rear driveshaft with WD40 (as a diagnostic tool, I know it won't help long term) but it didn't make a difference. I drove it home and sprayed them again, going to let it work overnight and try again. I would be greatlful for any suggestions.

 

That sure sounds like a U-joint.
The wheel bearings may be at fault too, but at this point it does sound like a U-joint.

The WD-40 may not be penetrating the seals and simply not getting in.

 

Thanks for the reply. After sitting overnight and driving up and down the block the noise seems to have gotten a bit better, so I think the wd40 had a chance to penetrate. Taking it in this morning for u joint replacement, as I'm in the middle of a move and don't have access to most of my tools or a place to work. Will update the thread with results.

 

Following up, had both u joints on rear driveshaft replaced, seems to have solved it.

 

Thanks for the follow up.
I've heard that sound in the past and not just on Ford products.
I would have been surprised if it wasn't a U-Joint.