Mystery Squeak in the rear…

I’m hearing a rotational squeak that’s happening in the rear of the truck. It’s not a break squeak, I swear!

it started out only happening around 40/45 mph and has quickly begun to happen at all speeds. I can only hear it when I’m actively accelerating, but when it started out, it happened when de-accelerating on the highway.

My initial research led me to think carrier bearing (there is some slop) or the unjoint. (I only recently discovered they have zerks so god knows the last time they were greased before this month).

what do you think?

‘96 5vz 230k automatic

 

Easy enough to figure if you are capable of taking the driveshaft off. Block the wheels and drop the carrier bearing then the shaft where it attaches to the third member and articulate all of the joints. You should be able to do this while leaving the slip joint in the trans.

 

Any history of the rear wheel bearings being replaced?

Although squeaking isn't really a typical wheel bearing symptom, I've learned that with these trucks sometimes wheel bearings fail and exhibit atypical symptoms. Also, the standard test of checking for wheel play at 6/12 or 3/9 doesnt always work to find a failing bearing either.