The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk '51 3100 suddenly has a hidden squeak. Where to start looking?

Ok, I know this is sort of a silly question, but seeing that this mystery squeak only happens when I'm driving, it's hard to pinpoint. Let me say that a few weeks ago when I changed the oil, I also greased every fitting zert I could find (one or two wouldn't take grease, so I have to go back and replace/grease them), so this is kind of surprising. Although I will say that we've had some fierce gully-washers here in SE Missouri in the last few weeks, and I live (and park) and a street which is on a hill, which also has a 6" vertical curb (sidewalk), so there have been a few times the current may have gotten quick and high, which may have something to do with this. Anyway, the squeak is coming from the passenger side, somewhere between the back end of the front fender and the front of the rear fender, depending on what contortion the truck is in at the moment. DOES NOT SQUEAK AS I'M DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, but more like when I'm pulling up over a street entrance to a business, or backing out of a driveway with changes in elevation. I'm thinking maybe cab mounts, but maybe fender to body anti-squeak rubber (or lack thereof). The door shuts and latches well. The door seals are in relatively good shape. Just don't know where to start looking due to the fact that it only does this when moving, especially when it involves 'racking' the truck body out of level.

Also, as a second problem, I've recently gotten a squeak when letting up on the clutch cable. Short, quick, high pitched, only on the release. Actually, this was why I greased the rest of the truck, since I got under there to grease the zert for the rod that the clutch cable is mounted on.

I know this is a large area question, but I've had this truck since last fall and it's been my daily driver since early January, but the squeaks have only been there for a week or two. Besides wanting to fix the problem, I'm wondering if the heavy rains may have something to do with it. Thanks in advance for any and all comments or ideas. Lee

I would like to know what a clutch cable is.

Is your clutch pedal rubbing on the metal where it comes through the hole in the floor? That could make an aggravating squeaking sound.

Worn bushings in the clutch pedal pivot will let the pedal shaft drag the edge of the hole in the floor. The high-pitched squeak is very irritating to folks who can still hear it. My high frequency hearing went away about 30-something years ago- - -too many jet engines, race cars, and deer rifles!
Jerry

When you solve this squeak, you'll be able to hear another squeak, rattle, clunk..... That's what I've always found with my '48.

check you shock mounts

OOps! Per the clutch cable, I'm also working on my '03 Indian Chief right now, and just finished changing the clutch cable and bearings. I've got clutch "cable" on the brain, I guess. I meant clutch pedal. I WILL check the bearing, (and also the shock mounts, DADS50). Sort of strange, but last night when I left the shop that I keep my bike in, I usually hear the body/frame or whatever is squeaking on the truck, pretty loudly there due to having to back out of the parking spot in the alley, crossing the curb into the off level alley way. But last night I didn't hear a thing. Weird. The clutch pedal still made itself heard, though. Thanks guys! (Been working on the bike from about 5 til too late every night, with a long list. http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1373/13685773/24553796/411172632.jpg Clutch, clutch cable, front and rear brakes, rocker box rebuilds, push rod O-rings, carb clean/new choke cable, new brake lines, rear tire, etc., etc. By the time I get start checking the forums, I'm out of it!) Thanks again! Lee

The sound you get crossing the curb "might" be caused from dried out rear cab bushings.

That was one of the places I was thinking of. Now that I think about it, I probably sprayed them with something while I was under there, which may have freed up any crud that may have been keeping them quiet. I plan on replacing the cab mounts and bushings after I get the bike back on the road. I've got new rear brakes and their lines to put in, plus new tranny and motor mounts, so it'll be a "creeper carnival" when I get to it. In a year or two I plan on taking it apart and putting new metal in a few spots that need it, and painting it. Was kind of hoping everything would stay peaceful until then, but that's not how it usually works around my house.