I have a 2001 Discovery. It makes a chirping noise, like a cricket, mainly when it is accelerating. I read another post with some ideas, but it sounds like it is coming from inside the car. I've had other cars make that noise and it was a speedometer cable that needed to be greased. Any thoughts?

 

The U-joints can make a sound like that when they start to wear out. How many miles on it and have you ever replaced the U-joints? That's my guess.

 

x2 on the u-joint!! Especially since you say under load/acceleration only.

 

I would suggest you get it into the shop TODAY, it will most likely be the constant velocity portion of the front drive shaft which is failing and when it happens it will or can take the tranny out also, BIG $$$$$'s.
Don't drive it till you can find a shop that can over haul the front drive shaft replacing all 3 U-Joints. This is a very common and potentially expensive repair when it fails.
I just had mine done again and it cost me about $220.
Mike

 

I just read this thread with a fair bit of interest as I just bought a 2002 Discovery with 27k miles on it. Today is the third day that I have owned it and I have been listening and checking out my new "used" Disco. It is really clean and cost me $15k. As a former british and german auto tech I am not afraid of vehicles that require constant TLC and have entered into this with the understanding that this is not like owning a Tacoma.

So, finally getting to my reason for replying to this thread.....tonite I was driving the Disco with the driver's side window down and heard a noise that might be described asthe chirping. It seemed to come in around 40-45mph and at afairly lowvolume, can only be heard with window open. The noise only really occurs under load.

BTW, it may be worth noting that the tires are closeto being due for replacement and I am willing to consider this as a possibility.

Any thoughts/advice appreciated.

 

So you have some experience, sounds like it is time to crawl under your truck and inspect the front drive shaft's constant velocity joint, if it does not have zerk fittings on the joints, change them out sooner then later cause they do fail and can take the tranny ith them.
As for your tires, do you have 16" or 18" wheels?
By the way, welcome to the group.
Mike

 

Mike,

Thanks for the reply and for the welcome to the group. My plan is to check the Discovery out a bit this weekend. As for my noise, it is really very slight and does not seem to come in till around 45mph. It comes/goes with pressing/releasing the gas pedal. On second listen, it is not so much a chirp, but seems more like a high pitch whine (induction noise or serpentine belt)......either way, I'll climb underneath this weekend to take "stock" of things.

Also, the tires that I have are 18inch ans they do make some noise due to the "scalloping" on the edges that are the result of them being pretty much worn out.

Who is a good source for constant velocity joints with grease fittings?

Are there any manufacturers that make decently aggressive tires in 18inch or am I better off going to 16inch?

Thanks again and happy Friday,
MilleJDQ

2002 Discovery2
2002 Volvo XC70

 

If you want, call me or I can use my free long distance service and call you, this weekend before you start crawling around, I'll point out some other things to be looking for.
Mike
303-862-7680

 

Mike,

Will do, and thanks for the offer to chat.

I have unlimited time on my cell on weekends so I'll give you a call when I get a chance.

MilleJDQ