Ok so I haven't had a chance to do anything further since my last post due to storm damage and other higher priority problems but thank you to all that replied.

After getting underneath the truck with a light I found metal missing from the caps at the end of the Driveshaft universal joint at the rear. Finally was starting to vibrate at higher speeds but not nearly as much as I thought it would for the amount of metal missing.

The plastic/rubber at the caps of the axle joints on both sides up front were being squished out in pieces which is where the metal/rubber squeeking sound was coming from. I didn't realise that there was rubber/plastic in these U-joints or I would have figured it out the squeek earlier.

Luckily the drivetrain warranty still had a little bit left so everything fixed for $100 at dealer!!

So of course the A/C in my wife's trailblazer decided it wasn't going to work in the heat so there went the money I just saved.

As far as axle U-joints what stresses them into failing other than being ungreaseable? Is it simply more power than stock? I have a small lightweight snow plow for home use and I have some tight corners and such but didn't think that would hurt. Is it just bumps and flexing with weight up front? Any ideas or info is appreciated again.

thanx

 

There isn't any plastic on the inside of the caps, its all metal. The squeak is simply dry metal on metal noise.

Any non-greaseable u-joint has finite lifetime. No way around it. Biggest plus is its cheaper for the manufacturer thats all. Simple use is what cause them to wear and fail. QC on making sure the caps are greased well probably has an effect also.

 

The rubber or plastic piece may have been a dust or dirt cover or ring around the end of the cap. What else would be getting deformed and pushed out the edges?

 

Probably the needles inside the cap.