
Diagnosis
Many noises that seem to come from the rear axle 
actually originate from other sources such as tires, road 
surface, wheel bearings, engine, transmission, muffler, 
or body drumming.  Investigate to find the source of the 
noise before disassembling the rear axle.  Rear axles, 
like any other mechanical device, are not absolutely 
quiet but should be considered quiet unless some 
abnormal noise is present.
To make a systematic check for axle noise, observe the 
following:
1. Select a le vel asphalt road to reduce tire noise and 
body drumming.
2. Check rear axle lubricant level to assure correct 
level, and then drive the vehicle far enough to 
thoroughly warm up the rear axle lubricant.
3. Note the speed at which noise occurs. Stop the 
vehicle and put the transmission in neutral. Run the 
engine speed slowly up and down to determine if 
the noise is caused by exhaust, muffler noise, or 
other engine conditions.
4. Tire noise changes with diff erent road surfaces; axle 
noises do not. Temporarily inflate all tires to 344 kP a 
(50 psi) (for test purposes only). This will change 
noise  caused b y ti res b ut will n ot aff ect no ise caus ed 
by the rear axle.
Rear axle nose usually stops when coasting at 
speeds under 48 km/h (30 mph); howe v er , tire noise 
continues with a lower tone. Rear axle noise usually 
changes when comparing pull and coast, but tire 
noise stays about the same.
Distinguish between tire noise and rear axle noise 
by noting if the noise change s with  variou s spe eds 
or sudden acceleration and deceleration. Exhaust 
and axle noise vary under these conditions, while 
tire noise remains constant and is more pronounced 
at speeds of 32 to 48 km/h (20 to 30 mph). Further 
check for tire noise by driving the vehicle over 
smooth pav ements or dirt roads (not gra vel) with the 
tires at normal pressure. If the noise is caused by 
tires, it will change noticeably with changes in road 
surface.
5. Loose or rough front wheel bearings will cause 
nois e which may be confused with rear axle noise; 
howe ver , front wheel bearing noise does not change 
when comparing drive and coast. Light application 
of the brake while holding vehicle speed steady will 
often cause wheel bearing noise to diminish. Front 
wheel bearings may be chec ked for noise by jack ing 
up the wheels and spinning them or by shaking the 
wheels to determine if bearings are loose.
6. Rear suspension rubber bushings and spring 
insulators dampen out rear axle noise when 
correctly installed. Check to see that there is no link 
or rod loosened or metal–to–metal contact.
7. Make sure that there is no metal–to–metal contact 
between the floor and the frame.
After the noise has been determined to be in the axle, 
the type of axle noise should be determined, in order to 
make any necessary repairs.
Gear Noise
Gear noise (whine) is audible from 32 to 89 km/h (20 to 
55 mph) under four driving conditions.
1. In drive under acceleration or heavy pull.
2. Driving under load or under constant speed.
3. When using enough throttle to keep the vehicle from 
driving the engine while the vehicle slows down 
gradually (engine still pulls slightly).
4. When coasting with the vehicle in gear and the 
throttle closed.  The gear noise is usually more 
noticeable between 48 and 64 km/h (30 and 40 
mph) and 80 and 89 km/h (50 and 55 mph).
Bearing Noi se
Bad bearings generally produce a rough growl or 
grating sound, rather than the whine typical of gear 
noise.  Bearing noise frequently “wow–w ows" at bearing 
rpm, indicating a bad pinion or rear axle side bearing.  
This noise can be confused with rear wheel bearing 
noise.
Rear Wheel Be aring Noi se
Rear wheel bearing noise continues to be heard while 
coasting at low speed with transmission in the neutral. 
Noise may diminish by gentle braking. Jac k up the rear 
wheels, spin them by hand and listen for noise at the 
hubs. Replace any faulty wheel bearings.
Knock At Low Speeds
Low speed knock can be caused by worn universal 
joints or a side gear hub counter bore in the cage that is 
worn oversiz e.  Inspect and replace universal joints or 
cage and side gears as required.
Backlash Clunk
Excessive clunk on acceleration and deceleration can 
be caused by a worn rear axle pinion shaft, a worn 
cage, exces sive clearance between the axle and the 
side gear splines, excessive clearance between the side 
gear hub and the counterbore in the cage, worn pinion 
and side gear teeth, worn thrust washers, or excessive 
drive pinion and ring gear backlash. Remov e worn parts 
and replace as required. Select close–fitting parts when 
possible. Adjust pinion and ring gear backlash.