Does the D2 have front wheel bearings?

I have a pretty bad high pitch screeching sound (sounds like crickets) coming from the middle of the truck. The screeching noise is very inconsistent. I cannot isolated to 1 side or the other. Having it towed now to my dads shop to diagnose.

Going to drain diff fluid to see if I have water mixed in. Not sure how it could of got in there. However, I was in some pretty deep water over the weekend.

Ideas thoughts on where to start Looking for the sound?

 

Looks like the high pitch screeching is coming from the output flange on the TC. Towards the rear of the prop shaft.

I assume there is a bearing in there?

 

See the tech area, there is an article on rebuild of the front prop shaft to greasable fittings, about $100, You should go buy a lottery ticket, the front shaft when it pops will poke a big hole in the transmission. OEM shaft had sealed fittings which fail with almost no warning.

 

Its not the prop shaft. I rebuilt it w/ grease fittings back in November of last year.

It's definitely coming from the output flange on the transfer case.

 

I just re-greased the fittings a few days ago before I took it out on the trails. First thing I checked tonight. They were full, packed tight w/ grease.

 

Did you install a new centering ball at the same time?
If it is the flange, you will need a new one along with a seal and a big breaker bar.
Are the front hubs OK? Might drain the front diff and t/case to rule out any failure issues.

 

Centering ball was a PITA. Yes, I replaced it Mike.

Plan to replace the fluid in both TC and Diff.

Is there a bearing behind the flange?

 

Looks like I might need a new front output shaft bearing. I'm gonna drop the prop shaft tomorrow and pull the flange to check the bearing for wear.

If it is in fact the bearing that is shot, couldn't I drop the prop shaft, lock the cdl, and drive the truck to see if the noise stops?

 

Okay removed front prop shaft. Locked CDL and went for a drive. NO more screeching noise!!

Now, what part has failed? The propshaft or the front output flange/bearing on the t case.

The driveshaft was rebuilt back in November of last year. Could it have failed? Visually, it looks good and solid. There is no play in the joints, but I do hear a slight scratching noise coming from the centering ball area. Plus, it looks like the area around the ball is dry, no grease. Could this have failed?

I would hate to spend the cash buy a new prop shaft just to find out the original is still good.

Thoughts on how to diagnose the issue further???

 

Should be no noise or catchy feeling when rotating. Answer to the question could it have failed, well yes it could have.