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REAR SUSPENSION A N D DRIVE LINE 4-29
REAR AXLE NOISE DIAGNOSIS
Mechanical failures of the rear axle are relatively
simple to locate and correct. Noise in a rear axle is a
little more difficult to diagnose and repair. One of the
most essential parts of rear axle service is proper
diagnosis.
Ail rear axles are noisy to a certain degree. The
action of transmitting the high engine torque through a
90° turn reducing propeller shaft speed produces noise
in rear axles. This point establishes the need for a line
between normal and abnormal or unacceptable axle
noises.
Slight axle noise heard only at a certain speed or under
remote conditions must be considered normal. Axle noise
tends to "peak" at varying speeds and the noise is in no
way indicative of trouble in the axle.
If noise is present in an objectionable form, loud or at
all speeds, an effort should be made to isolate the noise
as being in one particular unit of the vehicle. Axle noise
is often confused with other noises such as tire noise,
transmission noise, propeller shaft vibration and uni-
versal joint noise. Isolation of the noise as in any one
unit requires skill and experience. An attempt to elimini-
ate a slight noise may baffle even the best of diagnos-
ticians. Such practices as raising tire pressure to
eliminate tire noise, listening for the noise at varying
speeds and on drive, float and coast, and under proper
highway conditions, turning the steering wheel from left
to right to detect wheel bearing noise, will aid even the
beginner in detecting alleged axle noises. Axle noises
fall into two categories: gear noise and bearing noise.
GEAR NOISE
Abnormal gear noise can be recognized since it pro-
duces a cycling pitch and will be very pronounced in the
speed range at which it occurs, appearing under either
"drive," "float" or "coast" conditions. Gear noise
tends to peak in a narrow speed range or ranges, while
bearing noise will tend to remain constant in pitch. Ab-
normal gear noise is rare and usually originates from
the scoring of the ring gear and pinion teeth as a result
of insufficient or improper lubrication in new assemblies.
Side gears seldom give trouble as they are used only
when the rear wheels travel at different speeds.
BEARING NOISE
Defective bearings will always produce a whine that is
constant in pitch and varies with vehicle speed. This fact
will allow you to distinguish between bearing noise and
gear noise.
1. Pinion bearing noise resulting from a bearing failure
can be identified by a constant rough sound. Pinion
bearings are rotating at a higher speed than differen-
tial side bearings or axle shaft bearings. This
particular noise can be picked up best by testing the
car on a smooth road (black top). However, care
should be taken not to confuse tire noise with bear-
ing or gear noise. If any doubt exists, tire treads
should be examined for irregularities that would
produce such noise.
2. Wheel bearing noise may be confused with rear axle
noise. To differentiate between wheel bearings and
rear axle, drive the vehicle on a smooth road at
medium-low speed. With traffic permitting, turn
Fig. 74—Scored Hypoid Ring Gear
the vehicle sharply right and left. If noise is caused
by wheel bearings, it will increase in the turns be-
cause of the side loading. If noise cannot be isolated
to front or rear wheel bearings, inspection will be
necessary.
3. Side bearings will produce a constant rough noise of
a slower nature than pinion bearings. Side bearing
noise will not fluctuate in the above wheel bearing
test.
Failure Analysis
The most common types of rear axle failures are
hypoid gear tooth scoring and fracture, differential gear
fracture. and/or differential bearing failure, and axle
shaft bearing failure.
Fig. 75-Cracked Hypoid Ring Gear
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
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