What is the situation when there is abnormal noise in the rear axle of the car?
2 Answers
The situations when there is abnormal noise in the rear axle of the car are: 1. Insufficient gear oil or decreased viscosity: If caused by such reasons, it can be improved by changing the oil, adding sufficient oil quantity, or switching from multi-grade oil to single-grade oil, or using oil with a higher viscosity grade; 2. Abnormal noise caused by improper bearing clearance: If the bearing clearance is too small, there will be a relatively uniform continuous sound, while if the clearance is too large, there will be chaotic abnormal noise, which increases with the speed of the car; 3. Abnormal noise caused by gear tooth surface damage: If the tooth surface of the bevel gear is severely damaged, the wear exceeds the limit, or the clearance is too large, there will be abnormal noise during driving, along with metal friction sounds. The noise increases with the speed of the car, and when coasting in neutral, the noise significantly weakens or disappears, indicating severe tooth surface damage or broken teeth.
Hey, I've been working on car repairs for many years, and rear axle noise is really common. The most likely issue is with the bearings, especially if you often drive on bumpy roads—worn bearings can produce a squeaking sound, like metal rubbing. Sometimes it's due to insufficient lubrication, like when the differential oil dries up or leaks, causing excessive gear wear. Loose universal joints can also create a clunking noise, which can be unsettling. If the noise is more noticeable during turns or acceleration, it’s probably related to differential gear wear. I recommend regularly checking the level and quality of the rear axle lubricant. If you hear any noise, stop immediately and use a flashlight to check for oil leaks. Don’t push through it, as it could damage the entire drivetrain, and repairs won’t be cheap. It’s best to get a professional diagnosis as soon as possible—safety first.
