Tacoma Rear Diff Squeaking Without Driveshaft

Hey guys! I did some hard wheeling last week and got a squeak coming from my rear diff. Originally thought it was the driveshaft, so took it off to get it balanced and the u joints replaced. But when driving without the driveshaft (4wd, front wheels only) the squeak still persists. I’ll attach a video to show you all. NOT THE U JOINTS, it’s where the driveshaft would bolt in to the rear diff.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!!

link to video: https://photos.app.goo.gl/f5YQvYj9jtAQyRDn6

 

That sound is metal on metal. I would normally look first at the brake backing plate and see if it is touching the drum. If you are sure it is from the pinion area it is likely the metal shield below the flange for the u-joint on the pinion. If you pull the pinion nut and cup off the flange you will likely see a shiny spot. Not sure of your experience level is: DO NOT just pull the pinion nut and then just tighten it back down on reassembly, it has a very specific preload. As a test, before disassembly, spray it with penetrating oil, if it is the spot, it will silence for a while.

 

Thanks for the reply! I am sure it is not the brakes, it’s definitely coming from the pinion area. When I gave it a wash the other day, the noise stopped for a while. What you are describing sounds right. I don’t think I have the experience for that, but I could possibly do it myself.

 

The water probably lubed it enough. Lube the specific area and you will know quickly.

 

The dust shield on the pinion. Its supposed to be attached to the pinion and spin without touching the diff, in the vid from what I can tell, its stuck on the diff and the pinion is spinning inside of it.
You can pull the pinion nut off, you just have to put it back exactly how much turns it was. I went maybe a cunt hair past where it was originally when tightening.

 

Yep, it’s the dust shield, just figured that out. Didn’t realize it was supposed to spin. Would I have to buy a new one then?

 

Water isn't the best lubrication for a rear end but it'll work in a pinch!

 

Yeah you could just buy a new one. I tore mine up pretty good one time and just pulled the dust shield out entirely for my 15hr drive home, still havent put a new one back in after like 30k more miles haha.

 

Jeez haha, I think I’ll buy a new shield then and have a shop do it. I don’t want to worry about messing up the nuts preload.