Rear end grinding sound. Shoot!

[fishguy]

I have an '86 with 38000 miles. Long story short is that I just bought it and have only now gotten my first chance to drive it (not living in same state where I keep the vehicle). Anyway, I drove it yesterday and notice that after I had driven it for 20 or so minutes in town I started hearing a grinding/cluncking sound in the rear when I turned corners at slow speed. Any chance this is likely wheel bearings, as opposed to rear end or transmission? There are no apparent slips in the transmission or clutch. The vehicle seems to drive fine. I just hear a loud grinding sound at slow speeds, like when I pull into the driveway or gas station. Again, it sounds like it is coming from the rear, probably driver side.

[SVO4PWR2]

http://www.svoca.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20153&highlight=wheel+bearings

search is your friend

-RICH-

[fishguy]

Thanks. I realize search is my friend. However, I am not especially mechanically inclined and am interested to know if what I am experiencing is likely a wheel bearing problem or something more serious.

[Mr. Pink]

I'd say wheel bearings too. Now, I'll tell ya that I tried the bearing saver route and ended up getting new axles instead. For some reason I never got the bearing savers to sit right (always had a little leakage)....so.... even though its more expensive, go with new axles.

[fishguy]

Thanks all!

[adamgb]

Don't drive it like that for too long. I just had to have 2 axles replaced because the wheel bearings ruined the journal on both axles, and threw metal fragments into the gear housing

[fishguy]

I'll do that. I seem to be getting many Christmas "presents" from my SVO. New antifreeze leak today. It must be showing me how much it loves me

[tateg]

I'd drain the fluid and pull the axles for inspection. It may be that they left out the friction modifier when they last serviced the rear end. I get a BAD groaning and clicking from the rear (particularly at very slow speeds in parking lots while turning) because the friction modifier was left out when the new fluid went in. When you fill it back up make sure you use the friction modifier for ford posi rears.

EDIT: in mine it's the clutches chattering.

[fishguy]

Thanks. What you are describing sounds like what I'm hearing.

I'd drain the fluid and pull the axles for inspection. It may be that they left out the friction modifier when they last serviced the rear end. I get a BAD groaning and clicking from the rear (particularly at very slow speeds in parking lots while turning) because the friction modifier was left out when the new fluid went in. When you fill it back up make sure you use the friction modifier for ford posi rears.

EDIT: in mine it's the clutches chattering.

[tateg]

Thanks. What you are describing sounds like what I'm hearing.

Be sure to verify it by inspection so that you don't overlook bad bearings. In my case I have a new rearend with new moser axles so there is little doubt as to what I've got going on. Yours almost certainly has more miles on it than the 4000 or so mine has.

Either way an inspection will tell the tale.

[cmozez]

I used the offset bearings on my 84 with no leaks or issues. I changed the axels about two years later when i came across a set but It wasnt necessary