Hello. Have developed a squeak when in reverse (only). Noticed it backing out of the driveway and any other time I have to back up in reverse. It does not happen when in drive & moving forward or when "not" in gear and moving in reverse. I jacked the rear end up and put blocks and stands under the axle and put it in reverse while idling in reverse and could tell that the noise seemed to be coming from the front U-joint area where it connects to the transmission. A very distinctive raspy squeak. Drives fine down the road at any speed. Embarrassing when out at a show or around people tho! Will be putting it up on my buddy's hoist to be able get a better look see, but not until next week due to another friend's transmission change taking the rack for the weekend. Can anyone give me an idea what might be happening here with my '66 GS Skylark? I was thinking dry/worn U-joints, but I'm a novice when it comes to mechanics and what is involved with most of the drive train. Thanks in advance for any input. Jim :bglasses:
If the joint is making noise, there is slop in it. Replace it. It's very simple to pull the drive shaft and take it to a shop. Have them replace both joints and re balance it.
It IS definitely the U joint, I always replace both at the same time. Funny I just had to do a 65 Cutlass and my truck (05 Silverado) in the last few weeks. I like the duralast gold at autozone. Like the original GM factory joint they have no grease fitting and are guaranteed for life, $16.99 here. http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ca...&navValue=11200178&itemId=178-0&parentId=12-0
Thanks guys. I went to the autozone webpage and filled in the information that was requested there. It gave me a "sorry" response. BUT, I now have someplace to start and I figure I can do this repair, ie, taking the drive shaft out and down to a specialty shop to get it done, unless my buddy volunteers that he (we) can do it in his shop on the rack. :Brow: I'll mention the "autozone" joints too. I've never had them replaced and will do it no matter what, as preventative maintenance is the only way to go. Again, thanks for your input. :TU: Jim
Went personally to a Autozone store here in my area. Picked up two Duralast Golds for my '66 GS for $15.99 each. Now comes the fun part. See that they are made in Chine tho. :rant: Oh well, here's hoping. Again, thanks for the info. Jim :bglasses:
Make sure you check the rear transmission mount when you're under there. It's a another potential troublemaker. Devon
When out will ask about having it balanced. My '03 Chevy HD2500 had to have that done right out of the factory. Warranty covered it and no more problem with shaking. More to come. Thanks! :TU: Jim
OK, can do. What to look for with that? Something noticeable? Heavy wear probably? Thanks. Jim OK and thanks Devon! Will give that a definate look see for sure. Jim
If it's broken or deteriorating, it can explain the reverse-only noise because the engine torques to the left when in reverse. Might take some cleaning and bright light to see if the rubber looks ok. You could also try jacking the output shaft housing very gently to see if the rubber/steel parts of the mount have separated. Devon
A comment regarding the u-joints...not sure if you're going to do the replacement or have it done. Try to follow the guidelines in this link for correct zerk fitting orientation if your new u-joints use them. If installed incorrectly, the weakened area where the zerk is located can become a failure point: http://www.machineservice.com/technical.htm Devon
Bring that6 junk back to autozone and see your local driveline shop, that should most definitely carry spicer joints or neapco... You will have to see the driveline shop if you want the shaft balanced anyway...might as well go there 1st
