Re: Mechanic has time now; I have questions....

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2014/1/14 23:30:10

Pat, can we assume you've checked and maintained the lubricant in the rear axle?

Noise on acceleration (or deceleration) is most likely not wheel bearings but results from incorrect contact between the ring and pinion gear, most likely the result of worn pinion bearings or incorrect preload on the pinion bearings. If left uncorrected long enough you'll be shopping for a new ring and pinion. Setting up a hypoid rear axle is a bit of specialty so I'd look for someone who specializes in this work, though the axle is a Dana which is very common so finding such a person shouldn't be that difficult.

If your rear axle is a Twin Traction and the carrier exhibits considerable wear, you might consider locating a conventional carrier; that's what I did in my 56 Carib when the rear axle began exhibiting noises. The conventional differential carrier, though not offering the advantages of the TT, is more robust and longer lived, IMO.

EDIT: What seems like a lot of play in the rear end when rotating a tire and watching the driveshaft for movement doesn't necessarily mean problems, there is freeplay in the axle and driveshaft sliding splines, a little backlash in the ring/pinion, etc. But noise in the differential is another matter.