Noise Diagnosis!
Stock 2000 Camaro Z28, 2.73 rear end, 105k miles. Since I bought the car last month, I have heard a grinding noise coming from the rear. It is heard loudest while OFF the accelerator, going at least 30mph, and curving to the left. Heard a little bit while coasting straight or to the right. At first I would hear it while braking too, but after doing rear pads + rotors the brakes are quiet (rear rotors rotted and pitted). I can still hear the grind while braking too, but not as bad as before. Seems to be coming from the right rear but I am not 100% certain. Note that the sound is basically gone if I'm on the gas even a little.
The previous owner I thought had told me he replaced the left rear axle bearing, so I went ahead and changed the right rear bearing. Turns out either I misheard him or he was mistaken (or someone else did it), because the RR bearing was already replaced with one of those "saver" units. The axle is in poor shape where the old bearing rode, and it seems like the new saver bearing is very close if not touching part of this area. I'm thinking I should change the left rear, since it could be original still, and making this noise too. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
Maybe the left rear could make the noise too, even though I "hear" it on the right side? The noise could be transferring and that's just where I hear it from the driver's position.
That lock-bolt is a real pain in the *** too, that little 8mm thing. It strips if you even look at it funny!
I changed the left rear bearing (original) looked alright, axle is in great shape. Noise still there, but the rear overall seems a little quieter. I used Royal Purple 75W90 gear oil this time around.
So I'm probably in the market for finding a good RR axle. I really can't think of what else would cause a grind noise such as that, and at those particular times too. My front hubs aren't the best either (like a whirring/ tire noise from the front at certain speeds and dependent on steering wheel position)
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It made the noise when I bought the car. I've since completely rebuilt the rear with all bearings, 3.42 gears, and a used 3 series torsen diff. Noise is still there and appears to be getting louder. It sounds like helical gears rattling or grinding inside the torsen diff.
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It made the noise when I bought the car. I've since completely rebuilt the rear with all bearings, 3.42 gears, and a used 3 series torsen diff. Noise is still there and appears to be getting louder. It sounds like helical gears rattling or grinding inside the torsen diff.
Another thought: What if the noise is the inner end of the axle rubbing against the lock? Like if the surface is rough? I didn't look at it in detail, but can that be a source of the noise too? Considering on left turns, the right axle is being pushed "inwards". I also saw the inner end of the right axle looked like it had been overheated (bluing and discoloration)


