TROUBLES A Symptom and Probable Cause Excessive Backlash a Loose wheel bolts b Worn universal joint i c Loose transmission output member engagement to pinion splines d Loose ring gear and pinion adjustment e Worn differential gears or case f Worn axle shaft or differential gear splines Klunking Noise in Axle or Vehicle Weigh Shifts From Side to Side on Turns a Excessive end play in axle shafts Axle Noise on Drive and or Coast a Improper ring gear and pinion adjustment b Pinion bearings rough c Excessive end play in pinion Axle Noisy on Both Drive and Coast a Pinion bearings rough b Loose or damaged differential side bearings c Damaged axle shaft bearing d Worn universal joint e Badly worn ring gear or pinion teeth f Pinion too deep in ring gear g Loose or worn wheel bearings Axle Lubricant Looks a Side bearing adjusting sleeve seals leaking b Carrier cover leaks REAR AXLE NOISE DIAOMOSIS Mechanical failures of the rear axle are relatively simple to locate and correct Noise in a rear axle ia a little more difficult to diagnose and repair One of the most essential parts of rear axle service is proper diagnosis One of the cardinal points of axle noise diagnosis is the fact that all rear axles are noisy to a certain de ND REMEDIES Probable Remedy a Tighten nuts securely Make sure the tapered end of nut is toward wheel b Replace or overhaul joint c Replace worn parts d Adjust ring gear and pinion e Replace worn parts f Replace worn parts a Replace axle shaft bearings and or retainer a Readjust ring gear and pinion b Replace bearing and readjust ring gear and pinion c Adjust pinion bearings or replace bearings a Replace bearings and adjust ring gear and pinion b Replace or adjust differential side bearings c Replace bearing d Replace worn parts e Replace ring gear and pinion f Adjust by shimming g Replace wheel bearings a Replace side bearing adjusting sleeve seal and O ring b Replace carrier cover gasket gree The action of transmitting the high engine torque through a 90 turn and 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