Chirping noise from rear

[djmavis]

I have a 2WD '01 S-10 with manual transmission and the small 4 cyl engine. Upon acceleration in 1st and 2nd gear, I hear a chirping noise that sounds like it is comming from behind me. The rate of the chirping noise correlates with wheel speed, but disappears when the clutch is pushed in. I noticed it at first after long trips on the highway, but it has gotten much louder, and I hear it pretty much every time I accelerate. Any ideas?

(thanks in advance!)

[Mikado14]

Check your U-joints on the drive shaft. The best way is to drop the drive shaft and inspect. More than likely you will find that they are dry and more than probably there is wear.

[djmavis]

I am not much of a mechanic...Is there a place to read up on how to do this, or should I just take it to a shop?

[BlazerLT]

Take it to the shop.

You sure it only stops when you push in the clutch?

[djmavis]

yes, it definately stopps when I push in the clutch. I should point out that I am not certain that the noise is comming from behind me...it just sounds like it...Maybe my ears are playing tricks.

[BlazerLT]

At what speeds will this happen?

[djmavis]

up to about maybe 20 mph i hear it but not after. Im not sure if it goes away or just gets drowned out by the sound of the engine and whatnot.

[BlazerLT]

But it comes back when you release the clutch though right?

[djmavis]

correct. it only makes the noise with the car in gear, clutch released at low speeds.

[BlazerLT]

Grease your U-Joints.

Have you ever greased your front end?

[djmavis]

ok i will try that. no i have never greased the front end, but im guessing it was done at some point when the car was in for an oil change.

[BlazerLT]

Assumptions is the mother of all repair jobs.

Do the grease work yourself and be sure. if not, don't complain when your front end is shot.

[nhsyogi]

did you check the rear end? my s-10 was doin the exact same thing and it turned out it was the rear end. i fried mine and now i got a $700 dollar repair bill for a new rear end :\

[djmavis]

i took it to the shop yesterday. they said it is likely the throttle bearing, and not to worry about it until a.) it gets REALLY REALLY loud, and/or the car stops moving or b.) the clutch needs to be replaced. They said that the throttle bearing comes in the clutch assembly kit, and that taking that apart to repair it before it was truly broken was unnecessary. How does that jive with you guys? Is that good advice?

[BlazerLT]

Did you even have them check the driveshaft and U-Joints?