I am having a squeaking problem (which I first related to a bad rear u-joint). This u-joint was installed for about 1 month, when I started getting a loud squealing nose at low and high speeds. The question is whether or not it is the u-joint or rear brakes. When I apply even very very light brake pressure, the squealing goes away. This is at slow or fast speeds. Any common brake problems I should look at before tearing the u-joint out again?

 

Brakes have an indicator tab on them that squeals when they are worn out. Replace the pads and move on.

 

Not really thinking it is the service brakes, they have been really lightly used for 50K miles. Will check it out though

 

Service brakes? These rear brakes are used every time you press the brake pedal. I am getting a light squeak now also (60,000 miles) and I am due for new tires soon, so that's when I'll check the brakes out.

I can't hear the squeal, too many years of loud noise

 

Sounds like brake pads but 50K shouldn't normally wear out brakes with a manual (cheap pads, lots of use?). If the pads are good, a bit of silicone between the caliper plunger and pad may help. Most replacements come with a small tube to apply when you buy them, did it get installed?

 

Still has the original stock pads on it.. and i agree that 50K with a 6-speed shouldn't wear out the brakes. I barely used them the first 40K...all highway miles

 

My truck had the same sound, ony it was coming from the front end. I did the brakes all the way around and sqeeks went away. It sounded like u joints but they all checked out good while replacing the pads. Like your truck, the sounds went away every time brakes were applied

 

My center and far-rear u-joints have been replaced on the rear driveshaft. I'm at 61000 miles. They were squeaking.

 

I lost those U-joints at about 40,000 miles. Put in greaseable ones. My big fight is with death wobble now. Dodge makes a poor product. If they lose Cummins, they may as well close their doors.

 

"I lost those U-joints at about 40,000 miles. Put in greaseable ones. My big fight is with death wobble now. Dodge makes a poor product. If they lose Cummins, they may as well close their doors."

-Enough said..Cummins is the only reason I bought a Dodge. Not a big fan of the truck itself

 

It's rare that anybody on here has death wobble with the stock set-up (no leveling kit, no lift, reasonable tires). Are you one of the rare exceptions, or did you mess with it?

 

I too have the same squeel coming from the drivers front wheel, at various speeds, and a tap of the brakes makes it go away temporarily the pads are quite new and in great shape(with silicone). the u joints were changed last spring.

I had also changed the rotors at the same time as the pads. However I think that the rotor is wearing unevenly. and that is where my squeel is coming from. Havent checked with a caliper yet thou.