Noise in rear axle?

[rsbronco]

Well here it is guys. Recently a strange noise has appeared either in the rear axle or the drums. So I took a look. I spun the rear wheels by hand, everything sounded ok. Then I took a look at the brakes to see if they were too worn and were grinding the drums, those were ok. Thats really all I did. Don't know what else to do. The noise is a combination of grinding and whining. When I accelerate and at higher speeds it has the whining sound. Then at slower speeds it sounds like it is grinding. By the way I have a 93 Bronc all stock. Any advise would be great.

Thanks

 

[Koopa132]

OK, step one is to pull the plug on your rear differential and see if you still have fluid, and if your fluid looks clean. The plug should be magnetized, so check for metal filings on it. Look for a leak around the pinion seal.

If all looks good there, raise the rear wheels off the ground, put the truck in drive and try to find the source of the noise. It may still be the rear end or else a wheel bearing or a UV joint.

good luck.

 

[mbtech2003]

my rear end pinion bearing went about 2 1/2 years ago made that noise. i would replace it and carrier bearings as well..but do what Koopa132 said and raise up the rear wheels with some jack stands and run the truck in drive to locate noise

oh one more thing make sure ur in 2 wheel drive when u do this not that u would have in en 4X4 but just in case a reminder :-"

 

[rsbronco]

OK, step one is to pull the plug on your rear differential and see if you still have fluid, and if your fluid looks clean. The plug should be magnetized, so check for metal filings on it. Look for a leak around the pinion seal.
If all looks good there, raise the rear wheels off the ground, put the truck in drive and try to find the source of the noise. It may still be the rear end or else a wheel bearing or a UV joint.

good luck.

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What would the metal filings tell me. I also don't have any leaks.

 

[ocalabronco]

grinding and whining noises says bearing's are rapidly dying, to me. the metal filings in the fluid will tell you if metal is being grinded, chewed up, or otherwise deteriorating inside. ANY metal filings inside the case will eventually chew up the ring and pinion, as well as any roller bearings they get into. like koopa said, jack up the rear (but for god's sake chock/block the front tires so it doesnt roll) and just put it in gear and let it idle. listen for the sound, try to pinpoint its location