Creaking noise?

[HoosierJeeper]

Over the past few weeks I've noticed the KJ making a strange creaking/chirping noise...it sounds just like the creakiness of bad sway bar bushings. But, it only happens when backing out of a garage or backing down the driveway...all are flat with no bumps or anything. I think it's bushing related somehow because it was 49 this morning and it was louder, once it's been driving or outside for a bit it gets quieter. Any thoughts?

 

[Porkchop]

Have you checked the u joints on the drive shaft?

 

[HoosierJeeper]

No, what's the best way to check them? What would other symptoms be of those, I don't have any vibrations, if that helps...
Thanks!

 

[Avg Joe]

The symptom seems to be going in reverse. I'd look at the drive shaft, u-joints, the rear differential fluid and seal. If still nothing, it could be in the rear differential. Cold weather shrinks metal. Can create slop temporarily.
Does it always do it? What happens if you just shift it between gears? Any noises? If you hear the noise and stop, put it in drive, and then back in reverse, does it stop?

 

[HoosierJeeper]

It doesn't always, but usually. If I stop and go to drive and back to reverse it continues. Shifting between gears doesn't change it. It sounds like a bushing noise the Jeep would make if you stood on the bumper and rocked it back and forth, but bumps/flexing don't trigger it. Thanks for the help so far!

 

[HoosierJeeper]

I did some research and the U joint seems like a good place to start. I would replace the one on the axle end of the rear driveshaft right?

 

[Porkchop]

You can take off the drive shaft and flex the u joints by hand and see how they feel. If I was to do one I'd do both.

 

[Snail Farmer]

X2.. only one of mine was bad but I replaced both while I had it off.

 

[John3seventeen]

Power wash under the jeep good paying particular attention to the bushings.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

I checked the auto part store for both, but they only listed the diff end one for auto trannys. The manual ones had one listed for the t case end.

 

[Snail Farmer]

Mine used the same joint for both ends but mine is a manual. Not sure if that makes a difference

 

[HoosierJeeper]

I think it does, at least the catalog makes it seem that way.

 

[uss2defiant]

Hoosier: any updates on this? I have a similar issue while backing up as well. Was it the U joints?

Thanks.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Yep, sure was.

 

[uss2defiant]

dang.... I'm sure it was a PITA to get that replaced.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Actually pretty easy. Just rent a ball joint press from a local auto part store.