Bad Axle Bad Differential Bad Wheel Bearing Rotor Maybe
There is this annoying grinding noise coming from the back of my 1993 Pontiac Firebird Formula. It has the limited slip differential if that helps. Now, this noise SEEMS to be coming more from my back right side. It is not constant, it makes the noise maybe once every 15-20 seconds, and sometimes a few minutes pass before I hear it. It’s usually only when I let off the accelerator or when I’m braking, but sometimes it happens when I have just started to accelerate. Sometimes it almost seems like my exhaust. Does anyone have any idea what this might be? I’ve seriously racked my brains for any answer, I even rode around in my trunk trying to figure it out. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Also, what does a bad axle sound like, and is the noise constant?
how much would a repair cost if it WERE the axle?
it cant be the pads, those were recently replaced
What expert says
There are 7 Responses to “Bad Axle Bad Differential Bad Wheel Bearing Rotor Maybe”If it seems to be to the right rear, it is most likely the right rear axle bearing. This is inside the axle tube directly behind the backing plate.
a rough axle bearing will generally be a constant humm type of noise… you may try replacing the diff lube with the proper additive… rust is common on the outer edge surface of brake rotors… also dirt in the parking brake drums will cause strange noises
Since you say it happens when applying the brakes, I’m inclined to believe you have a bad rotor or drum on the passenger side. This may have resulted from contact with a curb or other object. I’d get it checked asap.
A bad axle, rear assembly or bearing would produce a constant frinding noise. Good luck!
My quess would be breaks,have they beenpeplaced since you have had the car ,the pads could be getting down close to the warning tabs they will grind abit to warn you that they are getting then,if its the pads you may have to have the rotors replaced if they are to worn to machine.A lot of companys that specialize in break replacement will give you a free inspection,get checked out.
maybe it’s a stone or some other small object that has gotten into the wheel or hub cap and is vibrating against something in there. it moves about when you brake or accelerate coz of momentum, and then just occasionally becomes dislodged and vibrates or moves randomly with the spinning wheel?
If you have drum brakes my guess is a spring has broken or come loose. It might be a wheel/axle bearing, if you raise the back end of the car up and spin the wheel listen for noise then. Don’t ride around in your trunk listening for it! Another thing you can do is after you’ve driven the car for about a half hour or so put your hand on that wheel, if it is unbearably hot you have a problem. When you take the wheel off look for grease, if the bearing went bad it may start leaking grease.
you have the wrong rack, not your brain.
try racking car,
2 people
1 inside drivers and spins wheels in air.
other , very carefully (spinning wheels are dangerous)
listens, and using a cheap mech stethoscope will find it.
assumes it does make noise racked,
one can hope.
any brake shop or frame alignment shops.
full inspection of rear axle brakes and U joints
spring mounts, etc.