Possible Rear End Trouble?

[StangBabe89]

For y'all that don't remember, I was in a wreck last October that crushed my driver's side rear rim and bent the rear axle. I had the rim fixed and replaced the rear axle. No problems. Now, from that same area, when I'm going less than 20 mph I can hear a whorling noise. Basically it sounds like the rear axle is still bent or something. Something is uneven...that's all I know. Any ideas?

[Ponyperformance6]

It is hard to diagnose problems like that without being able to hear them. Take it up to a shop or one of your buddies there that can hear it.

[Brazen6.0]

I know what it is

bearing going out
either a wheel bearing or a carrier bearing.

change it ASAP befor it chews up your axle...if it hasn't done it already.

[jeremy]

It's probably just the fluid breaking in. Keep driving it for a while it'll probably go away.

You'll be fine.

[LSWon00]

not too sure genius but if the work was done last October, the fluid isnt a problem. I'd check to see if it is a bearing like JB said.

[Brazen6.0]

he's being sarcastic....:D

mine where the carrier bearing, louder than the motor at all speed...I would think that it is your wheel bearing...take some turns, at that speed and see if it gets louder or chang pitch...by doing so you will load and unload the wheel bearing...if it's bad, it'll quiet down when you turn towards the left, and get louder turning towards the right.

let us know

[Stang8YourImport]

If it's making noise, you better change the bearing. Usually when you hear a noise from the rear end, it's too late, the axle is usally pitted and chewed up. Don't be half ass, replace all the bearings and make sure the axles are good before you put it back together. Two Carrier bearings, two pinion bearings, two axle bearings. Replace the seals and crush sleave also.

Nick

[LSWon00]

Exactly what Nick said. When there is a noise there already is a problem.

[StangBabe89]

::goes outside and kicks car really really hard:: Anyone want a parts car? I'll take her tomorrow to have one of my friends listen to what she's doing. It'll probably be this weekend before I can take her apart to really get a good look at her. Aight...worst case scenario, how much is this gonna cost? Any upgrades I should do while I'm back there? Did the accident cause this problem more than likely or does something else usually cause this problem? Thanks y'all. I'm glad I didn't buy that conversion kit after all.

[Stang8YourImport]

Just make sure you get good bearings. Don't get the China or Jap bearings. Go to Ford and get their bearings. They fit better and last longer. That or make sure you get top quality bearings.. that say USA on them. You'll need a press or a bearing puller. You're gunna need one hell of an arm to crush the crush sleave. Usually takes upwards of 200 ft/lbs. This is really something a pro should do so they can measure backlash and gear mesh. You shouldn't have to shim the pinion or ring gear, but it might need to be redone. Make sure you get all the metal shavings out. Use a magnet to pick them up. They like to get in little spots, like where the axle tubes meet the pumpkin.. I'd leave it to a pro though.

Nick

[jeremy]

Since you're gonna have the axles out you might as well upgrade to moser 31-spline one-piece forged alloy 5-lug axels. Also, if it's the carrier bearing you'll have to take the diff out at which point you should just put in a spool and get some 4.11 gears from US Gear. Since that would require removing the pinion you might as well go for the HD yoke as well. And as long that the yoke is out you should go for a Ford Racing Aluminum driveshaft. While you're under there you might as well throw down for a T-56 from the '03 cobra...I mean, might as well save money and do it now while everything else is being done. Also, since I find tranny installation is easiest when done attached to the engine you should also look into going to a BBF 460ci 14:1 super stock race motor. All told, you should be able to take care of that noise for just under $25,000.


Or you could just wait for the fluid to finish breaking in.

[StangBabe89]

Any SERIOUS suggestions out there?? Unless someone wants to donate $25k to the Get Rid of Some Weird Noise Nikki is Probably Imagining Fund.... Ok, $5 would be a start.

[Brazen6.0]

that's about all we can suggest...DO IT :) then let us know your findings

[StangBabe89]

Aight aight...I'm takin her up to a shop. This sux...I was wantin to learn how to do this myself. Oh well...guess I can't do everything. I'll let y'all know what happens.

[Stang8YourImport]

I'll do anything to my car.. Rebuild the trans, motor, suspension.. whatever I can do it.. .But rear end work? Nah. It takes a trained person to do that. I'd like to be taught how to do it all, but until then... I'm not touching it.

Nick

[StangBabe89]

Aight...me and some friends of mine are gonna tear Nadia down in about two weeks. They have all the parts, equipment, and know-how...for free. At the same time, we're gonna do a bunch of other work on her and basically get her where she should be mechanically. I'll keep y'all updated. The noise is still there...but turning has no effect.

[HORSEpower]

You can do it yourself, bearings aren't that bad. Only change the bearing that is messed up. Don't create new problems. If it ain't broke don't fix it. I had wheel bearings go bad on my old stang. It chewed up the axles before I could fix it. I put Moser 28 splines in it. They are cheaper than factory replacements.

Nick, wtf are you smoking, USA bearings are garbage. There are only a few bearings that are good. The best are SKF swedish bearings, but you can't buy those from an auto parts store. If you go to Advance you can buy Bower/BCA bearings which are made by NTN in Japan. They are totally decent. Make sure you pay the extra money for the better bearings. The ones they keep in the store are made in China, and are worse than USA bearings. Pay the extra money and get good bearings. I don't know what Autozone carries.

Kurt

[StangBabe89]

Well, the guys that are helping me are absolute mustang gods. One guy collects them and has over 25. The other guy has a more diverse collection of race cars and show cars...but has 4 very nice mustangs...and a full shop. I'm letting them pick out the parts and direct the work. I'll keep the suggestions in mind though. If my axle is messed up, I've got a stock spare. Thanks y'all...I'll keep y'all updated.