[Bourkemaster]

Making the 150 mile trek from the Poconos to State college this weekend, I noticed a new noise from the truck. It seems to be getting worse with time and mileage. It sounds to me like something in the rear end is dry. I could be imagining but it almost seems like fuel consumption has increased as well. Just buzzing about town here, I notice the humming start up between 30 and 35 mph. I checked my transmission fluid, I'll check it again tomorrow as I'm not positive the truck was hot enough. My next step is to pop the plug in the pumpkin and check the fluid back there. I hope and pray that it's low and adding fluid to it now will catch it before it causes any real damage. Granted, the truck has 232K on the clock, but it has to last me at least one more semester, as I'm a broke student.

 

[stab]

Have you ever changed the the gear oil in the pumpkin? That stuff is like your engine oil and in time will break down and lose it's lubing abilities. Rule of thumb is to change that stuff every 100,000 miles.You could have a pumpkin full of oil but if it's dirty and thin as water it's practically worthless. If it's not the pumpkin could be bearings or axle seals,also that sound could be your tires.Good luck.

 

[Bourkemaster]

Diff oil has leaked out and been topped off, but I dont think it's ever been fully flushed and replaced. I'll check that out. The noise doesnt seem to be coming from one side or the other, but I could be wrong. Anyone have any idea where I can find a diff for one of these on the cheap?

 

[GT4]

Hey brother, I'm not sure if this will help you out however, check this thread I started. You may have the same issue. Hopefully not. Take care.

-GT

http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/f46/unusual-vibration-54525/

 

[Bourkemaster]

That's the direction I'm going. I got it inside last night and checked a few things. I jacked up the back and gave the wheels a good wiggle and they're solid, so I dont think it's rear wheel bearings. On the ground with my 8" ratchet, I couldnt crack the plug on the pumpkin (I'll need a lift and breaker bar for that) but I have a feeling that's ok. I dont see any fresh fluid anywhere. I did jiggle the back end of the drive shaft, didnt try the front, but there is some fresh trans fluid slung around that joint.

I'll drive it a bit to get it hot before going to work and check the tranny fluid when I get there. I'll also give that end of the drive shaft a jiggle. Last night, it sounded a lot like wheel bearings, but I couldnt pinpoint the sound. I'll pop the caps on the front too just to check the outers. The noise only pops up around 35 and gets louder with speed. I havent taken any hard turns at speed to tell if it gets any louder. I'll let you folks know what I come up with today.

Just remembered. If I'm coasting at really low speed like in a parking lot, I can occasionally hear a high pitched squeal. Related maybe?

 

[Bourkemaster]

Ok. Got the wheels spinning with the truck on a lift. The only big nasty noise is coming from what sounds like the back of the transmission. It makes sense that there's tranny fluid dripping from that cup at the end of the drive shaft. It's not the low rumbling I hear on the ground, but a rattly grinding noise. I pulled up the shop manual I have on my computer and it looks like that cup pulls off and there's a seal at the end that will need replacing. I dont see a bearing there. Does anyone know if there is one at the end of that housing or is the nearest one deep inside at what looks like the parking gear? I'd love to avoid removing that housing if I can.