Hey guys. My buddy has a 98 Chevy 1500, and he has a wicked squeaking/grinding in the front end when he drives, but if he puts it in 4wd, it goes away. We're thinking that it's the U-joints? And in general, does anyone have/know where I can get a How-to to replace them? Thanks...sorry it's not about a ranger(actually, no I'm not, cause that means that I'm not putting money into the truck )

 

When its in 2wd the hubs (I'm guessing auto hubs) would be disengaged and so the joints wouldn't be turning and thus shouldn't squeak. My guess is that its a hub going bad and the load in 4wd helps to quieten it. I had a hub go once on my old scout. The bearings were dry and grinding, and so loose the wheel was falling off!

I'd suggest jacking each front wheel and give each a spin and wiggle. If a hub is the culprit you'll have to take it apart and replace the bearings because they'll be shot. Even if the other side is still tight, good idea to grease it too while you're at it because it was probably last serviced at the same time. 4wd hubs are often a bit of a hassle to get apart--why almost nobody greases their bearings regularly enough.

 

im thinking the same thing as you martin

 

I don't think Silverados use hubs. Well my 91 S10 Blazer had a axle disconnect like Dodges do. It might be a differential problem.

 

Ok, that was just what he told me that he thought, but apparently last night after I had posted this, he got underneath of it for the first time since he's owned it and said that at the end of his CV Shaft grease was like everywhere, so maybe a new one of those? Thanks for the input though, and keep more coming!

 

New CV for starters, i know a new one for my Ranger was cheaper then just the outer cup/boot.

 

Yeah, we got the cv...Just waiting for him to get to my place at like 10:30-11...I have to work at like 6 and its almost an hour away, im not too excited, but whatever...hopefully it works.