Rear axles noises come in many variations; some serious, others annoying. A wheel bearing USUALLY makes itself known by a growling/grinding noise that intensified with speed. A pinion bering will make a similar noise but is not as common, ring and pinion problems make a whinning noise, once again proportional to speed.To identify the specific source of the noise, raise the car's rear end off the ground and SAFELY support the car's body with blocks or jackstands.
Start the car and put it in gear, letting the wheels spin. If it is a rear wheel bearing the noise will be heard coming from the wheel. If only one wheel spins (normal) block it so the diff will spin the opposite wheel. Again listen for the wheel bearing.
Using a stethoscope (or a piece of rubber hose) get under the car an listen to the pinion bearing area.
The ring and pinion whine is evident to anyone who has a little experience with these cars. It will whine or howl but does not sound as "bad" as a damaged bearing.
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posted 11-20-2001 11:06 AM
