Strange Sound from Rear!

[Live2Follow]

Hey, while in the process of bringing this car back from the dead i've run into yet another problem that I don't understand the cause of.

While driving, specifically when coasting, there is a sound that I can only describe as a silent roar, whirl or whining. It stops whenever I apply some gas to push the car. Recently replaced differential fluid. I have never done a flush and filter of the tranny (79k miles).

In a quick conversation with my mechanic he said to change the fluid and filter on the tranny and see if the sound goes away, if not he'll look at it.

Anyways on my day off I'm going to take care of that, and in the mean time I was wondering if you guys have heard of this problem.

Help!

[98 3.8]

Re: Strange Sound from Rear!

Sounds like axle or wheel bearings in your rear end. I'd almost say not to bother messing with the tranny, but you've got a lotta miles on original fluid.

[Smoke Panther]

Re: Strange Sound from Rear!

howling typically comes from bearings in the rear

[Live2Follow]

Re: Strange Sound from Rear!

I"m gonna replace the tranny fluid anyways, i really don't need somethign going wrong that can be done with preventitive maintence, i bought the car when I was 18, drove it for two years got side swiped and haven't driven it in 4 years untill just recently when I started putting it back together.

Wheel bearings you say? Looking through the Haynes manual trying to find it. I don't want to take apart my axle, so a trip to the mechanic it seems... just need to find this page!!

Is this a common problem for 4th gen Fbodies?

[98 3.8]

Re: Strange Sound from Rear!

Well mine are doing it. And if it really is just the wheel bearings (the sound will come more from the corners than straight back) then you can do it without ripping apart the rear end. You take off the wheels and brakes and get at em that way.

[Smoke Panther]

Re: Strange Sound from Rear!

There are bearings on the pinion and on the carrier.

[Live2Follow]

Re: Strange Sound from Rear!

You know, its so loud now ( a few years back it was tolerable) that I can't tell where its comming from. Plus the fact that I have made a service port for the Fuel pump doesn't help (this has been covered and riveted and sealed btw).

I'm really hoping to be able to do something about this myself, but the more and more I read and hear about it, i'm going to have to send it to the shop! Sucks I have a college payment next month too!

I don't have a slide hammer either, so that doesn't exactly help in deciding to do this myself!

[98 3.8]

Re: Strange Sound from Rear!

You might just look into a Z28 rear if you don't have a Y87. You can get one for around 200 bucks. Just find a low mileage one...and, presto! LSD and better gearing (if you get 3.42s) for less! And hopefully your new rear won't grind of course. :) Only downside is your speedo would be a bit off.

[Live2Follow]

Re: Strange Sound from Rear!

I have the y87 RS package. I dunno about trying to find a salvage gear off a camaro... maybe from a car club! I dunno. I'll post here after I get it fixed!

Thanks for the responses!