Squeaky Creaky Rear (dont think it's suspension)

[hectikart]

So as I was pulling out of my driveway tonight I noticed a squeaking noise...almost like a creak. Sounds like it is happening once per revolution. I drove and had someone else listen outside and we pinpointed it to the rear. Sounds like it is coming from just in front of the rear tires. Checked the obvious: nothing obviously bent or rubbing against wheels/tires or anything like that.

It only happens in drive, not in reverse at all. I am on a flat paved surface...not suspension flex noise etc. I didn't even have my foot on the gas and you could hear this creaking sound...the faster I go, the faster it gets until I hit about 30-40 and it's no longer audible. Still drives smooth, no shake or anything. I did go off-road a little bit a few days ago. It wasn't anything severe or out of the ordinary...old logging road. I always make a point to listen closely after I do any off-road driving and I didn't notice anything until today.

I already did a search and my first thought was rear bushings..but why would it only happen in drive and not reverse. Perhaps drive shaft? I did go through some mud and haven't thoroughly underneath yet. Maybe some dirt got in the drive shaft joint and its rubbing? The only other thing I can think of is that I did just have the lower control arms replaced due to the recall in heavy salt states...any possibility that has anything to do with it? Anyway, any theories, suggestions?

2006 Liberty Sport
Stock, 82,000 miles

Thanks

 

[brokendad]

Almost sounds like you have something caught in a wheel or rim.

 

[hectikart]

That was my first thought too. I checked it over and didn't see anything, granted it was dark and I was using a flashlight. Maybe I will see something tomorrow when it's light. It's hard to pinpoint which side the noise is coming from. Listened on both sides while someone else drove it slow and it sounded like it was squeaking on both sides of the rear.

 

[Ry' N Jen]

Parking brake shoe hanging up possibly?

 

[deliciousdaly]

My parking brake is all messed up but it makes the noise in reverse as well... Try resetting your e-brake - put it in reverse and roll about 10 mph then pull firmly on the handle. You should hear a clunk. If the noise changes after that you know its your ebrake, if it remains then back to the drawing board.

 

[Paul M]

Agreed, brake shoe...could be a bearing but one would think that'd be bi-directional.

 

[hectikart]

I washed out the undercarriage good, made sure nothing was stuck, bent, rubbing etc. Still squeaking...I was thinking drive shaft. I had a friend that's a mechanic listen to it and he immediately said it's a u-joint. So I'm going to have both replaced with heavy duty greasable u-joints.

I can't get it fixed until Monday though, and I'm a little worried because the squeak has now stopped when I'm in drive, and is now very faint in reverse. I've heard that when the squeak stops, you have worn a groove in the joint and are really at risk for them to fail...so I may not be driving until Monday. Anyone know of anything I can do to prevent failure in the meantime until I can get it taken care of?

 

[tommudd]

Nothing you can do but replace them
Most of the ones I have seen on KJs rust up almost solid, then as they wear more they start getting really loose
The squeak you heard ( if it was that) was the bearing "trying" to move , now gone !

 

[hectikart]

Nothing you can do but replace them
Most of the ones I have seen on KJs rust up almost solid, then as they wear more they start getting really loose
The squeak you heard ( if it was that) was the bearing "trying" to move , now gone !

yea that's what I thought. I went underneath and tried to check if the drive shaft is loose at all...it doesn't seem to be, I can't move it...but to be safe I think I'm just going to leave it parked until Monday when I take it to the shop.

I think I'm done with mud...too much crap to deal with, it gets into everything. I'm sure that's why I'm having this problem now. Any recommendation on good quality replacement serviceable u-joints so I don't have this problem again?

 

[tommudd]

If they are rusted they will not move any at all

 

[bmrrwolfe]

I have the same problem but it also happens in reverse, started a little after having the rear controls done under recall as well. I think its the upper tri-link control arm that got stressed when they hung the rear axle from it, while replacing the lowers...

 

[hectikart]

I have the same problem but it also happens in reverse, started a little after having the rear controls done under recall as well. I think its the upper tri-link control arm that got stressed when they hung the rear axle from it, while replacing the lowers...

I got mine taken care of this week. It was my rear u-joint...nothing to do with the recall fix in my case. May want to check your u-joints to be on the safe side, don't wanna lose a drive shaft on the highway if one fails.

Also, the noise on mine changed over a few days. First is was forward only at slow speeds. Then it stopped making noise, except very faint in reverse, barely audible...When I brought it to get fixed it was loud again, but only in reverse. Dirt had gotten past the seal and wrecked the joint..replaced it with a super duty, serviceable grease joint, so hopefully I can avoid it from happening again if I have trouble resisting the mud.

 

[Spisters]

I just had mine looked at for a similar noise. They identified it as the Rear Wishbone Control Arm. The Bushings are cracked and the Ball joint has loosened. They want to charge $785.00 to replace it, I'll figure out how to do it myself. I'll probably take the opportunity to do the lift job I've been wanting.

 

[k99jk99j]

i believe it is called the rear upper control arm. i replaced mine in august. just the part was $389 from dealer. took me 2 1/2 hours. mike

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

i believe it is called the rear upper control arm. i replaced mine in august. just the part was $389 from dealer. took me 2 1/2 hours. mike

And be sure to purchase the OEM/dealer version. Aftermarket units don't last long and you'll be under the Jeep again replacing it not too far down the road.

Bob

 

[tommudd]

i believe it is called the rear upper control arm. i replaced mine in august. just the part was $389 from dealer. took me 2 1/2 hours. mike

Come on 2.5 hours, you took a nap under there didn't you? :shrug::happy175:

 

[tommudd]

I just had mine looked at for a similar noise. They identified it as the Rear Wishbone Control Arm. The Bushings are cracked and the Ball joint has loosened. They want to charge $785.00 to replace it, I'll figure out how to do it myself. I'll probably take the opportunity to do the lift job I've been wanting.

Simple to do
if you need any tips on R&Ring it just ask