The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Metal on metal

Occasionally I am hearing a nasty screech/grinding noise. It does not appear to be from the transmission. It comes when in gear, doesn't seem to matter which, and seems to be initiated when turning sharply (relatively of course); however, turning has not been a requisite to get the offending noise.

From the driver's seat it sounds like it could be coming from the middle of the truck. I pulled into the gas station the other day and a guy commented on the metal-on-metal noise that he thought was coming from the back (he then asked about the year, complements, questions, etc.).

I recently bought the truck and am going through it bit by bit and when something seems out of place it gets my full attention until I figure it out. I would like to catch this/figure it out before it gets too serious (if it isn't already!).

The PO lubed it before I picked it up but I can't be sure he lubed everywhere so I have planned on lubing everywhere anyway; I am in the process of going through the shop manual and figuring out what different lubes I need.

Is lubrication the best effort here or are my efforts better placed somewhere else? I realize on a vehicle that is primarily metal that isolating a metal on metal noise could be difficult, but any helpful experience is much appreciated.

Brand, year, and size of truck?
Chevrolet. 1946, 1-ton?

Is(are) the u-joint(s) OK?

good advice.

Yep, Chevy 1946 3800 dually. Upon visual inspection the 3 u joints look fine; at least no obvious signs of shearing. Should I attempt to remove them and test individually? While inspecting I did notice:

A large coating of fresh grease around the transmission.There is also a "grease spray"(?). Look at the side of the battery and above the U joint. Possible culprit, another issue or no problem?

I had that on my 1/2 ton. It would do that when I was in a slow turn to the left. The right rear brake drum was rubbing on the backing plate. Axle end play was a little excessive.
Brian

Jack up the rear wheels one side at a time, and see if you can move the wheel/tire assembly in & out, or put a pry bar under the outside tire and try to move it up and down. It sounds like you've got rear hub bearings a little loose, and they're letting the brake drum(s) drag the backing plates in a turn. The 1-ton (3800) axle has full-floating hubs, so axle end play won't be an issue. The drive axles can be removed independent of the hubs without affecting the load-carrying capacity of the bearings or the side play of the hubs.
Jerry