What would cause a squealing noise when accelerating fast but stops when it kicks into gear?

2004 FORD RANGER
61,500 MILES
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SOUTHPAW3612
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2004 Ford Ranger XLT 6cyl Auto 2WD - Makes a squealing noise in the rear when I accelerate quickly and stops when it kicks into gear. Doesn't happen if I gradually accelerate. What could this be?
Oct 9, 2012 at 5:35 PM
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EVOLVE960
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possibly a rear pinon bearing, or if its a two piece driveshaft a carrier bearing which is in the middle of the two halfs...

you could jack the truck up in the rear support it on jack stands and place the truck in neutral and spin the rear tire and see if you can duplicate the sound .. but my guess is once of those two items but its hard to say without seeing or hearing it .
Oct 9, 2012 at 5:45 PM
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SOUTHPAW3612
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It only happens when I pretty much floor the accelerator and stops when it kicks into gear. A shop said they couldnt replicate it on the lift but maybe they didnt floor it. They definitely heard it while driving. I definitely believe it to be something with the differential but could be wrong.
Oct 9, 2012 at 5:51 PM
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SOUTHPAW3612
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Ill try and get a video with sound. I dont know if my phone would be able to pick up the sound though
Oct 9, 2012 at 6:29 PM
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SOUTHPAW3612
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No luck with the sound. It picks up more road noise than the noise itself. What I dont understand is, if it is a bearing, why would it only happen under this situation of flooring it until in it hits gear as opposed to all the time since they are spinning
Oct 9, 2012 at 6:59 PM
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EVOLVE960
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 63 POSTS
maybe play within the drivetrain, also flooring the accelerator puts a lot of strain on the components in the system, you could also look into U-joints at this point ( maybe bearing caps are binding up )
Oct 10, 2012 at 10:21 AM
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