U joints or center bearing? How to tell?

[JARichard]

Ok, i have this noise on take off. It is whether i am flooring it or just casually taking off. It sounds like you have 2 or 3 empty cans in the back of the truck. Clank clank clank!!! How do you tell if it is the U joint or the center bearing? None of the U joints move!! I am stumped!!!

 

[CMckee]

that may be your problem the u joints may be seized up, they will generally make a squeaking noise on take off or when you hit reverse. not sure about the centre carrier as i have never had one go.

 

[WMcGuire]

Well,,,first check if you really do have a few empties back there, around these parts everyone has a few.

 

[Mathew Clausen]

Feel the yokes

I found the bad u-joint bearing on mine by driving it at highway speed, then getting out and feeling all the u-joint ears. One was very warm, all others cold. If its making noise - it will likely be putting some heat somewhere. Mine was to the point of squeeking on takeoff, but like you mentioned nothing felt loose. I sure wish they would put greaseable u-joints (and ball joints, and slip joints, and ... . ) in these things - could have saved dodge a warranty claim in my case.



Mathew

 

[JARichard]

Well, I got all 3 U joints changed and installed and this included the labor to pull & reinstall the drive shaft $113. 00. I am gonna pul the front off next week and bring it to them have all the U joints changed and drive shaft balanced for the same price. I hope this stops my truck from eating the front pinion seals.