Noisy rear end

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May 27, 2003 | 12:01 PM

robs70vette

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Heel & Toe

Joined: Mar 2003

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From: Pennsburg PA

Noisy rear end

I'm experiencing a low whine from the rear end during acceleration. It only seems to happen in first gear, it may be happening in the upper gears but the road noise could be masking it.
Any ideas?
:flag

May 27, 2003 | 02:11 PM

Steve Straus

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Joined: Sep 2000

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From: Charles Town WV

Re: Noisy rear end (robs70vette)

Quote:

Is this on a 4 spd or a Auto car? If it's a 4 spd and you can reproduce the noise in second gear, then it MIGHT be the rear. Transmission bearing noise can travel down the driveshaft and sound like it's coming from the rear. There really are a number of things it can be, but a low whine on accelleration is typically either a bearing in the tranny or a pinion bearing in the rear.

Whatever you do, don't put the car up on jacks and put the car in gear, you'll mess up your halfshafts. they aren't designed to run at that angle.

May 27, 2003 | 05:29 PM

robs70vette

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Joined: Mar 2003

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From: Pennsburg PA

Re: Noisy rear end (Steve Straus)

Yes, it is a 4 speed.
If you had a crystal ball, what is the life expectancy of a rear pinion bearing once you hear it grumbling? I'd like to make it to the fall so I can save some money.
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May 27, 2003 | 05:56 PM

GTR1999

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Joined: Aug 1999

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From: Connecticut, USA

Re: Noisy rear end (robs70vette)

My 69 had a bad pinion bearing that would howl in 4th gear @60 mph. When I rebuilt it I found all the rollers were badly pitted but the cage was intact. It's hard to say how long one will last but I drove mine for about 5-10k miles like that-but in short runs under 75 miles.
Gary

May 27, 2003 | 06:25 PM

Steve Straus

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Joined: Sep 2000

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From: Charles Town WV

Re: Noisy rear end (robs70vette)

Quote:

Yes, it is a 4 speed.
If you had a crystal ball, what is the life expectancy of a rear pinion bearing once you hear it grumbling? I'd like to make it to the fall so I can save some money.
:flag

Mine lasted exactly 6 weeks, your luck will vary. If it's just a faint whine I wouldn't worry too much, but if it gets to the point where you can hear it over the exhaust I'd start looking for a shop to do the work.