Noise from rear axle or driveshaft?

[sbjlib]

i have a 98 explorer XLT with the 4 litre motor, and i am getting a noise which i thought was coming from the tires, since they have an aggressive thread. I changed them and the noise is still there. I noticed that when i am on the highway and take my foot off the gas and coast the noise goes away. It is only when there is load on the drivetrain. I changed the rear diff fuild and transfer case and the noise still there. Wondering if this could be u joints?
Would wheel bearings stop making a noise when there is no throttle?
Hope you guys can help me out.
Happy new year
John

 

[4x4firefighter]

r u sure itain issue? could be an exhaust issue...also as crazt as it sounds make sure everythings connected(shocks, swaybars, etc)...

 

[Seaeric]

Same problem

I have a 1997 Explorer 2WD with the same engine. Only 92,000 original miles. I have the same type problem. I get a sortof singing whine when accelerating, which subsides somewhat when I take my foot off the gas. It actually changes tone to a different, lower pitched sound. I just had the car's fluids serviced and they supposedly checked the rear diff fluid and it was OK. Based upon your experience, I'm now thinking maybe U joints? The car also has a vibration on the highway at around 70 MPH. Above or below 70 its not as bad.

Anyone else have any experiences with this?

 

[Cobraguy]

If the noise is from the rear end, you have classic symptoms of a carrier bearing that's bad. Fix it soon before you take out the ring and pinion.

It could also be the pull side of the ring and pinion, but that is usually a higher pitched whine.

Pinion bearings tend to make noise on pull and coast.

 

[sbjlib]

Anyway of confirming that it is the carrier bearing? Checking for play in the bearing
How difficult is it to repair in the driveway?
Thanks

 

[Seaeric]

Unfortunately, I don't quite understand the various terminology. I will have to have a shop do this repair and I would like to sortof know what to ask for. Could you describe a little more about the location of these parts and approximately what difficulty ( and maybe $$) is involved in this repair? I want to try not to get screwed over by a mechanic that takes advantage of my lack of knowledge. Can anyone recommend a shop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida? Thanks in advance!

 

[Cobraguy]

It is not a driveway repair. It involves checking the rear diff set up and adjusting if necessary. This is for an experienced tech with the needed special tools. It is also can be an expensive repair. If you think you are getting screwed, or are worried about it, go to a shop you trust...and/or get two or three estimates. You need to have an experienced tech confirm the problem anyway. I'm trying to do it over a computer from thousands of miles away. But I'm betting that's the problem.

 

[sbjlib]

Thanks for all the insight Cobraguy. i have repaired ujoints and rear axle seals but have never played with the gears, but i do have friends that have changed the rear end gears on GM cars.
But is there a way to confirm it is the carrier.
Thanks again
John

 

[Cobraguy]

The only way to absolutely confirm it is to remove the carrier and inspect. But an experienced rear end guy should be able to drive it and give you a good idea.

 

[Seaeric]

Does anyone know approx what a rear diff rebuild should cost at a shop?

 

[Cobraguy]

If it's just a carrier bearing, you should get by for something around $250 to $350. But if the whole rearend needs rebuilt, that could run several hundred.

 

[Seaeric]

Its going in on Monday to get repaired. Estimate is $150 for parts and $400 for labor to do all the bearings. Hope is that there are no bigger problems.

UPDATE: $631. for parts and labor and its all fixed.