replacing u joints

[zachzchw]

I have a horrible high pitched squeaking. Took it to a shop, and its an issue with the u joints. Not too bad, right? About $30 for both (might as well replace both). BUT, the shop told me that theres "something about" Bravadas, that when you go to put the u joints on the driveshaft, you often end up damaging it farther. They also told me the only way they would do it would be to send it off to a clutch shop to have it done.
I talked to the guys at autozone, they have never heard of this issue. Anyone here have any input on this?

[Chris Stewart]

They're probably refering to the double "cardan" u-joint because it has to be handled a little differently. You might seek advice from a 4WD shop for a second opinion although the double joint was installed on many cars where a mid positioned bearing was not desired or completely necessary on the factory assembly line.
The design looks like it's not very compatable with off-roading because of the open design where water could easily find it's way into the joint in the event of going through deep water.

[glrydys]

Hi I am a newbie here. Came looking for an automotive website after having trouble with my Bravada this evening, maybe someone here can help me?

I also heard a really high pitched squealing -sort of like dragging steel nails across a blackboard and then grinding them in for good measure. Is this what your u joint problem sounded like? It was only coming from the back - and it has been raining like crazy here tonight I hydroplaned slightly earlier in the evening from all the rain on the road.
I just replaced one of theball bearings in the front, the other one is so so -I have 120,000 miles or so, hard to say exactly as the spedometer is acting up too :-( Thanks for any help you can give me.

[Chris Stewart]

What year is your Bravada?
The grinding in the rear sounds like worn out brake shoes and possibly loose brake hardware in the brake drum(s).