1997 disco se7

[rbkjitsu]

hey everyone I just purchased a 1997 discovery and reaLLY LIKE IT. The previos owner has taken care of it but he sold it for some reason and I may be hearing it. I have been hearing a chirping noise that sounds like it is coming from the rear of the vehicle. I am not a mechanic but was told it could be a worn pad taping against the rotor. I drove the disco from indiana to sc and never heard a thing. the engine sound great and runs strong and i am confident it is not a belt but will listen to all sugestions. The noise seems to be getting a little worse. When I turn off the disco and try to duplicate the noide by rocking it back and forth it makes no noise. The chirping seems to be loudest when i accelerate or go over a bump and usually starts after it warms up. In addition i was cleaning the engine and found a dowel pin sitting on the engine block. it is not damaged and is a silver in color. Again the engine runs great and has 160,000 on it. Any clue how it got there?

[pavel]

I have no idea about the 'dowel pin' but could the chirping sound be somethng simple like a squeaky rear shock?

[FlexyDisco]

The squeaking under accel or load could be a u-joint in front or rear driveshaft, noises travel when you think its in the back it could be the front and visa-versa. You should have a rear gweebo on the driveshaft mating with the diff, so check that out while you are under there too to look for cracks on the rubber. It could also be a pad issue. Noises are a very hard thing to find sometimes.

[rbkjitsu]

Update, first I want to thank you for responding. Sorry I have not updated sooner. I took my disco to the dealership, and I am glad i did. Turns out, my muffler is bouncing slightly and making the chirping noise. they did check my driveshafts and U-joints and said they looked good and the rear shaft was fairly new. They charged me 54.00 to check out my truck. I really didnt mind for the peace of mind. They recomended I take it to a mufler shop. OK, now on to the next problem, I have some oil leaks just a drop or to a night but the engine is so slugy I cant tell where they are coming from. I asked the guy at the dealership and he said they would wash it for 150.00 and put some die in the engine to find the leaks. In addition they said they could do a complete inspection for 54.00 since I already paid 54.00 today. I explained I was trying to work on the truck little by lttle and they seemed willing to help out and understood some things I would be doing myself or having done some where else. The truck is still running strong and no electricle provlem except a crapy radio but will upgrade after the necassary maintenance. If you guys have any sugestions I would apreciate it and thanks for ponting me in the right direction. Still wondering about the dowel pin!

[pavel]

Anytime you can fix a LR for $54 you are doing well! Before winter, take some time to cheack all the hoses under the hood. Vacuum hoses can crack along with power steering hoses. Also, check the appearance of engine oil and ATF (it shouldn't smell burnt). Expect to replace the coolant yearly (no flushing should be necessary), brake and clutch fluids and make sure the "knuckle-pudding" in the front swivels is not leaking out. When was the oil in the diffs ast checked and replaced?
Check for water leaks under the rear matt and front carpeting.
All the best
Pavel