golf balls rolling insige a padded can

**024mula** · 07-20-2014, 05:59 AM

When I'm driving my 2002 Formula, theres a slight noise from the rear of the car that sounds like golf balls rolling around inside a padded can when I let off the gas and it gets worse when I turn left.
Like I said the noise isn't real loud but its there. Any ideas what it might be?

**cammed goat** · 07-20-2014, 06:43 AM

Is there a vibration along with the noise?

**024mula** · 07-20-2014, 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by cammed goat

Is there a vibration along with the noise?

No vibration, just the noise.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 07-20-2014, 08:21 AM

Do you have golf balls in your trunk?

**KahanaReef** · 07-20-2014, 11:39 AM

Possible ball joint? pun intended

**cammed goat** · 07-20-2014, 11:53 AM

Have you noticed any leaks between the rearend and driveshaft? Or any leaks behind any of the rear wheels? I ask as I am thinking axle bearing or differential. Check your rear lower control arms for wear/looseness while you are looking under the car.

**024mula** · 07-20-2014, 02:19 PM

Originally Posted by cammed goat

Have you noticed any leaks between the rearend and driveshaft? Or any leaks behind any of the rear wheels? I ask as I am thinking axle bearing or differential. Check your rear lower control arms for wear/looseness while you are looking under the car.

No leaks, just noise. Can't find any loose fitting either.

**cammed goat** · 07-20-2014, 05:08 PM

Just to be safe, if you have a floor jack, jack up the rear of the car and WITH THE ENGINE OFF and the car in neutral WITH THE FRONT WHEELS CHOCKED, spin the rear wheels and feel for any vibrations. Also pull on each rear wheel to see if they pull outward rather far.

When was the last time the gear oil was changed, anyway?

**pajeff02** · 07-21-2014, 02:18 AM

Could be the right rear wheel bearing, as that would be loaded in a left turn, or an issue in the differential. Jack the rear up and see if you have any play at the rear wheels. While you are there, also check the brakes to ensure that everything is tight and take a look at your suspension mounting points as well. There is a GM service bulletin for a "rusty screw" noise in the torsen equipped posi that recommends running positraction additive (even though there are no clutches in that style rear).

**Whamhammer** · 07-26-2014, 03:28 PM

I remember having a similar noise when I first got my T/A. Took it to the dealer and they replaced the diff gears and bearings until someone checked the hub assembly. They replaced that and the noise went away. I just hope the last replacement gear set was the "n"th degree better quality than the original ones in the car.

**Silverbird01** · 07-28-2014, 05:42 AM

Originally Posted by Whamhammer

I remember having a similar noise when I first got my T/A. Took it to the dealer and they replaced the diff gears and bearings until someone checked the hub assembly. They replaced that and the noise went away. I just hope the last replacement gear set was the "n"th degree better quality than the original ones in the car.

Your saying "hub assembly"......Front hubs?
I have a muffled clicking noise whenever I make a left turn. Just wanted to try and figure out what could be causing it.

**cammed goat** · 07-28-2014, 03:43 PM

Could be a hub going out, could be your differential if it's a Torsen and possibly needs additive. Do you hear it from the front or rear?

**Whamhammer** · 07-29-2014, 04:31 PM

No, mine was the rear.

**024mula** · 07-31-2014, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by cammed goat

Could be a hub going out, could be your differential if it's a Torsen and possibly needs additive. Do you hear it from the front or rear?

I think the noise is coming from the rear.

**cammed goat** · 08-01-2014, 09:21 AM

You could try calling your local dealer and give them the vehicle identification number to see if you have a Torsen diff in your car. Or PM moderator Konigandy6 as he is our dealer/VIN guy. This way, if you have a Torsen diff without additive, you can get the additive and put it in yourself. Keep us updated.

**024mula** · 08-01-2014, 10:20 AM

The mechanic let me see the spider gears and the axles before he put the rear end back together and their was very little wear or no wear on the gears and the axles, he said that looks very good.

He ask me to drive the car a week or two and tell him if it gets better.

As of right now, I still hear the noise.

**024mula** · 08-01-2014, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by cammed goat

You could try calling your local dealer and give them the vehicle identification number to see if you have a Torsen diff in your car. Or PM moderator Konigandy6 as he is our dealer/VIN guy. This way, if you have a Torsen diff without additive, you can get the additive and put it in yourself. Keep us updated.

PM sent to Koigandy6

**konigandy6** · 08-01-2014, 03:47 PM

Can't look up info on our cars anymore... they're just too old now.

You'll have to find the corresponding RPO on the options sticker.

**cammed goat** · 08-03-2014, 12:04 PM

Any modifications on your car? I ask as now I am tempted to say it's bushing related. Possibly a worn rear lower control arm bushing or panhard bar bushing. Making noise more while turning left could be a possible right rear lower control arm bushing failing. Just a hunch, however.

**024mula** · 08-04-2014, 02:42 PM

I really am grateful for all the help you people are giving me, even hunches.

The only modifications I did to the car is I installed a 2 point sub frame connectors (bolt on) two years ago.
I also installed a shock mount brace, but didn't like the way the car handled with it on so I toke it back off and yes I did tighten all 4 nuts.