Squeak from rear end when turning

[86 GT Vert Dude]

When I engage the clutch, backing up and also moving forward, I hear a squeaking sound coming from the rear of the car. It's almost as if the drivetrain being engaged is pulling on something, and the resulting strain causes a squeak or it could also be described as a groan. It's most notable when backing up with wheels turned, or going from dead stop while making a left or a right turn. A bunch of things come to mind; U-joints, differential fluid, suspension mounts, body mounts, etc. What would be the easiest thing to check first?

Thanks



No stats here.., for shame

[rob342]

don't overlook the super obvious.. the tail pipe rubbing the tire. (my car when i bought it)

suspension is usually heard when rocking the car or idling along in 1st
u-joints is usually a vibration, not so much a sound.


personally i'd jack the car up, put jack stands under the axle, and spend a few minutes examining things.

[KevinK]

Did you add the friction modifier to the differential fluid? That is the cause of 90%of rear end noises.

[86foxvert]

agree with rob342............

don't overlook the super obvious.. the tail pipe rubbing the tire. (my car when i bought it)

suspension is usually heard when rocking the car or idling along in 1st
u-joints is usually a vibration, not so much a sound.


personally i'd jack the car up, put jack stands under the axle, and spend a few minutes examining things.

[86 GT Vert Dude]

It actually does make that noise when idling along in first if you're not accelerating smoothly (i.e. you have the clutch out and are just idling along in gear).

Is it possible the tranny is misaligned? If so, how do you determine the correct alignment?

[84StangSVT]

don't overlook the super obvious.. the tail pipe rubbing the tire. (my car when i bought it)

suspension is usually heard when rocking the car or idling along in 1st
u-joints is usually a vibration, not so much a sound.


personally i'd jack the car up, put jack stands under the axle, and spend a few minutes examining things.

I agree with most of this besides the u-joints not making much sound when going bad. I have had many, especially Ford, vehicles make a consistent squeak/moan noise when moving that the pitch changes sounds/speeds as you accelerate. Eventually as you pick up speed, the noise disappears and a vibration takes it's place. A lot of times the added load while starting forward/reverse around a corner makes it worse. I would definitely check into this, as well as the tailpipes rubbing, suspension wearing out, etc.

[86 GT Vert Dude]

I was looking at this article which describes what is happening to me in 5th gear, "It is a good idea to replace the shift forks with new ones. New forks help ensure the transmission does not fall out of gear. The transmission is shifted into second gear before the side cover is installed. Install the remaining 3-4 shift fork and side cover, and you are done."
In the Haynes manual it says that one of the possibilities for falling out of high gear is transmission misalignment. That lead me to ask that question.

[86 GT Vert Dude]

After some more driving I've discovered that the noise is actually coming from the front left of the car, sounds like right in front of the firewall. I'd looked underneath before, looking for split/worn bushings, steering end links, etc. I have a suspicion that the motor mount may be bad. I'm hoping that it isn't structural. Will report back.