Rear end howling noise??

[79lance]

New to the site here, trying to find the proper place to post my question, but maybe someone can help me with my problem here. I have a 2001 Ford Sport Trac, 2wd, 110,000 miles. Recently i noticed that with all the windows down i can hear a slight howling from the rear end over 20mph. My first thought was the ring&pinion gears, but i have also read that this could be bearings. Supposed to be taking it on a vacation 3 weeks from now, is this something major?? How do i find out what this is without tearing the whole rear end down?? I was told to run lucas in it to quieten the noise, but this sounds like a temporary fix, not a way to solve it. any help is appreciated.

 

[Smaknu03]

if i were you i would get it checked out asap. especially if your gonna be taking it on a trip. 9 times out of 10 a howling rear end means something isnt right and is at risk of locking up. if it was me i would get it looked at. the lucas may quiet down the howling but its like putting a band aid on a gun shot wound

 

[Radio-Active]

if i were you i would get it checked out asap. especially if your gonna be taking it on a trip. 9 times out of 10 a howling rear end means something isnt right and is at risk of locking up. if it was me i would get it looked at. the lucas may quiet down the howling but its like putting a band aid on a gun shot wound

:biggthump:

First off welcome to the forum. I agree with Smaknu03, Have the front checked while you are at it. If one is going the other may not be far from going too.

 

[FordGT55]

If you are able to get the rear end on jacks; block the front wheels and get it up to 20+ see if it continues to make noise. If there is noise use a stethoscope and put it against the bearings then the diff cover to see what's making the sound.

 

[05dakotatrac]

if its bearings there will be very ever so slight movement up and down at the wheels. if there is no play at either wheels then i would suspect something in the pumpkin. never the less if your not comfortable doing a shake down on the rear get it in to a pro to check it