Noisy Rearend

[Z ROADSTER]

My 02 Z/28 with auto/trans started making noise when turning left or right. Thought it might be rear wheel bearings so I had them changed out. That got rid of the howling when turning left & right but now there is a constant howl that begins at around 35 MPH. Its possible that it was always there but I just couldn't distinguish it from the bearing noise. My car is a Vert so I know there will always be some road noise but never this loud before. Are there any more bearings inside the axle that could be causing this howl that increases with MPH ?

[Wesman]

Yes, there are inner bearings that the axle shafts ride in, which are on either side of the differential.

Sounds to me more like an issue with the differential itself though, might want to get it checked out. Unless you have a ton of miles on the car or its been run low on gear oil, the bearings shouldn't be noisy.

[Z ROADSTER]

Thanks. 59,000 miles & no leaks.

[35thAnniZ28]

oh..uhmm my passenger side wheel makes a thumping sound....it increases the faster the car goes...i thought it was the tires....i changed all of them...noise is still there...so could it be the rear wheel bearings?

[Wesman]

oh..uhmm my passenger side wheel makes a thumping sound....it increases the faster the car goes...i thought it was the tires....i changed all of them...noise is still there...so could it be the rear wheel bearings?

Very possible. Check the brakes too, make sure everything is good there.

Best thing to do is jack the car up and grab the wheel on either side. Pull it up and down and side to side, without turning it. If there is play, you should probably replace the bearings.

[35thAnniZ28]

will do..thx man!

[35thAnniZ28]

damn...i can't seem to find the part..can you guys help me find the bearings ..or is there a rear bearing assembly?
http://www2.partstrain.com/v5/produc...127+4294967148

[Wesman]

damn...i can't seem to find the part..can you guys help me find the bearings ..or is there a rear bearing assembly?
http://www2.partstrain.com/v5/produc...127+4294967148

There is no rear bearing "assembly". That site only shows the hub bearing assembly for the front, the rear is traditional wheel bearings and seals.

Go to your local auto parts store and have them look up the bearings and seals. The 10 bolt is one of the most common rears out there, they will most likely have all the stuff in stock. Make sure the brand is something like BCA/National or Timken, don't get cheap bearings or you'll be doing them again soon

[35thAnniZ28]

alright badass..thanx man..while im at it ..should i do the other side ?

[Wesman]

alright badass..thanx man..while im at it ..should i do the other side ?

Definitely. Do both sides at once and be done with it

[35thAnniZ28]

troo thx again man!!!!!!

[35thAnniZ28]

oh...hey.. is there anything i need to know besides that you need to take off the tires and caliper to replace the bearings?!?!..i already bought bearing grease..do i lube it liberaly?

[Wesman]

oh...hey.. is there anything i need to know besides that you need to take off the tires and caliper to replace the bearings?!?!..i already bought bearing grease..do i lube it liberaly?

You're going to need to pull the axles. Meaning you have to take the diff cover off, take out the retaining screw in the carrier, and remove the c-clips that hold the axles in. Then carefully slide out the axles and then you can access the outer bearings and seals.

[35thAnniZ28]

hehe check it out...when we changed the bearings n seals..... the worn bearings ate through the axles...so im definitely going to have to get new axels soon..any recommendations?