Front drive shaft noise

B2400 · Jun 25, 2004

Has anyone had trouble with their front drive shaft? Mine recently started making a scraping noise, but it doesn't sound like a u-joint is out. Drive shaft has a lot of play, radially, up near the transmission but due to the tight confines of the area I can't inspect it for damage other than grabbing the shaft in the middle and moving it around. The sound is most noticeable in reverse and also goes away when I engage fwd. It appears as though you might have to split the trans away from frame to access this for repairs and I'm really not up for that headache. Any ideas out there??!! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Thanks
Mike

Junkman · Jun 25, 2004

If it makes noise in one direction, but not the other, that would indicate that there is a dry universal joint. See if you can get to the fitting to put some lube into it. Many times this will resolve the problem for good......

B2400 · Jun 25, 2004

Permanantly lubed joints unfortunately. Top joint is inaccessible and I fear thats the one that is causing trouble

B2400 · Jun 26, 2004

Update: Apparently it was just the plastic cover rubbing at the bottom u-joint. This has happened a couple of times but for some reason the noise was different this time. Still concerned about the amount of "wobble" in the shaft and would appreciate any advice on this.