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2001 MITSU MONTERO SPORT possible drive shaft problem?


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jjusth
New User

Jan 5, 2011, 7:54 PM

Post #1 of 5 (2386 views)
2001 MITSU MONTERO SPORT possible drive shaft problem? Sign In

Hi all, this is my first post so forgive me if I forget something, and thank you so much in advance for the help!

I have a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS, 3.5L V6, 175,000 miles.

The car is not in the best shape, I'm saving up money to buy a new one and can't afford to take it to a mechanic and DEFINITELY can't afford to fix anything and sink any more money into it, but there are two sounds that concern me, and want to make sure it's nothing major that could harm me (or others) if I continue driving it without fixing it.

One noise pretty much sounds like squeaky brake pads - except I checked the brake pads and they are fine, and the noise is pretty much constant in acceleration, not the brakes. Pretty sure reverse as well, but it's constant in acceleration at any speed, even when on the highway. Just a constant, light, squeal/squeak like "eee eee eee"

The other noise only just started recently, it happens once in a while when I am accelerating, usually right when I'm shifting from park to drive and it's not a constant noise, more intermittent, and doesn't continue at any high speeds, just in the beginning of acceleration. This noise is hard to describe - I was going to describe it as like a deep, horn, brass-instrument kind of sound, but I found online the description of a SEAL BARK, and that sounds pretty damn accurate! someone else said like a water buffalo in heat.... you get the picture.

From what I've read on the internet (feel free to correct me) this seems to be an issue with the drive shaft or u-joint? Can I go a while with out fixing this? I want to just drive this car into the ground until I can get another one, hopefully just a few more weeks. I just want to make sure this isn't very dangerous?

Thank you in advance!!


mdaniel
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mdaniel profile image

Jan 5, 2011, 8:31 PM

Post #2 of 5 (2377 views)
Re: 2001 MITSU MONTERO SPORT possible drive shaft problem? Sign In

Safety should be the main concern here.
I recommend you get it checked out by a certified mechanic or park it.


Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Jan 5, 2011, 9:11 PM

Post #3 of 5 (2365 views)
Re: 2001 MITSU MONTERO SPORT possible drive shaft problem? Sign In

Being this is the internet, we would have no way of answering your question on how long you could drive this....

Call around to get some prices on getting it checked out if you can't track it down yourself...... If you can get into the $20 range, that really wouldn't be too much to pay for some piece of mind.

You may even find some willing to look at if for free but since you have no intention of doing any repairs it really wouldn't be fair to them to waste their time with your problem when you know they have no shot at making any repairs.......

But that would depend on you & which direction your moral compass points...


(This post was edited by Sidom on Jan 5, 2011, 9:12 PM)


jjusth
New User

Jan 5, 2011, 9:51 PM

Post #4 of 5 (2357 views)
Re: 2001 MITSU MONTERO SPORT possible drive shaft problem? Sign In

Thanks, I agree $20 isn't much (and yes, I would feel bad having a mechanic look at it for free when I have no intention of getting it fixed), but the problem is I don't have a trustworthy mechanic... if they turn around and say, "this MUST be fixed, ASAP!" I can't do much. Of course get a second opinion, but...

I know you can't tell me how long I can drive this, maybe I should have been more clear... was just wondering if someone could tell me if this sounds like a drive train problem, or what kind of problem this sounds like, and a little bit of what that means?! I don't really know what a drive train is! Just want to get a tiny gauge of how serious a problem this is... thanks again


Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Jan 6, 2011, 7:00 PM

Post #5 of 5 (2343 views)
Re: 2001 MITSU MONTERO SPORT possible drive shaft problem? Sign In

If I had to take a blind guess ( & I do...Wink) I sounds like a dry u joint, a 2nd would be a brk sensor but that noise would go away when you applied the brks....

The obvious answer that we all know is it's best to fix it right away so more damage isn't done. That being said, while this is no way 100%, bearings & other problems like this usually start out small then get progessively worse. Common sense on this would be if it got real loud or a vibration start, that would be your sign it's time to park it. The unknown is that this could come on very fast or just a slow progression. I think the main thing for everyone's safety would just to be "aware" while driving and until the problem is fixed or at the minimum found out, I would keep the speed down....

I know the shops like you mentions but you have to realize they can't force you to make a repair. If they try strong arm tactics, don't fall for it & they just lost a future customer for when you are planning on fixing a vehicle.....






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