Name that Sound! Please? I'm still searching for the answer.

long_tall_texan · **Posted:** Wed Apr 27, 2011 10:39 pm

OK. I have a new sound coming from my KJ that is troubling me. Let me describe it, and please chime if you have any idea what it is or might be. The sound just started about 3 weeks ago. It sounds like a squeak or squeal. Very similar to a slipping belt, or maybe when your tires start to chirp a little on take off. Sounds to be coming from rear diff area or maybe tranny, not under the hood.

The sound only occurs under acceleration. Usually from a stop, but has happened when i am coasting, slowing to a stop between 5-10 MPH and then re-apply the acceleration. Sound only lasts for a second or less. And remember, it is only while accelerating.

Transmission has been fully drained, flushed, filter changed, and is full. This was done 10-12k miles ago with no problems after. Used proper ATF+4 to refill it.

I thought maybe it was a u-joint going bad. After driving on highway for about 20 miles, i reached under to feel the heat of the u-joint (carefully). It was not even hot. Could wrap my bare hand around them. Is there another way to tell if that is the culprit?

Does not sound like a rubber grommet/isolator squeak, but I suppose it could be. But it does not make the sound when bouncing over rough terrain, speed bumps, etc. Frequently does on smooth ground, and only on acceleration. Any ideas?

long_tall_texan · **Posted:** Fri Apr 29, 2011 11:27 am

Bump... Surely someone has some input here...

HoosierJeeper · **Joined:** Sun Feb 15, 2009 8:23 am **Posts:** 1218

It's not your CV joints... :ROTFL:

jk

Do bumps affect it? Could be the rear sway bar bushings, if when you accelerate it squats back a bit.

blackwidowkj06 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 29, 2011 11:10 pm

i would say serpbelt, but my guess is as good as anyones. :mrgreen:

have you checked your brakes?
just throwing out things that i know...

hope you find the culprit to you misfortune.

long_tall_texan · **Posted:** Sat Apr 30, 2011 8:30 pm

HoosierJeeper wrote:

It's not your CV joints... :ROTFL:

jk

Do bumps affect it? Could be the rear sway bar bushings, if when you accelerate it squats back a bit.

Oh maybe it is my CV's. And that is why I can't find the problem. Because they are invisible.

I'll check the bushings, maybe???

blackwidowkj06 wrote:

i would say serpbelt, but my guess is as good as anyones. :mrgreen:

have you checked your brakes?
just throwing out things that i know...

hope you find the culprit to you misfortune.

Belt maybe, but sound does not increase with A/C on, and I would think that it would. New rear brake pads. Fronts are still in good shape...

ridenby · **Posted:** Sat Apr 30, 2011 8:52 pm

Going with U-joints.

blackwidowkj06 · **Posted:** Sun May 01, 2011 6:57 pm

All I can say is make a check list of things you think is wrong...
and start going through that list. Checking parts, replacing if needed. Or just replacing them anyways. I don't know, just trying to be helpful.

long_tall_texan · **Posted:** Thu May 05, 2011 9:47 am

Replaced both u-joints last night with new grease-able super strength Precision (Federal Mogul) u-joints. Will report back if that fixed it after I drive it for a while. But I do know now that the diff yoke is a somewhat fragile cast piece. And they cost $116 from stealership, or $45 from salvage yard if you can find a salvaged KJ... Will post exciting pics of the damage later. Ugh! I am such a bone-head sometimes.

blackwidowkj06 · **Posted:** Thu May 05, 2011 2:09 pm

There are a few salvaged KJs in my area with plenty of parts. But everyone is too far away.

bunkermonkeycw · **Posted:** Thu May 05, 2011 3:32 pm

This sounds like my U joints a week or so ago...

long_tall_texan · **Posted:** Wed May 18, 2011 7:51 pm

Yep. Initially, I heard a couple slight squeals after replacing the u-joints. But now that they have been on for a couple weeks, all is good. No more noise. Nice and smooth. Thanks for the advice guys (and gals)!

Name that Sound! Please? I'm still searching for the answer.

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