Noise coming from the rear axle

[The Neck]

Hey everyone,

I’ve had a fun winter of getting the car up and running, passing inspection and getting paperwork done for the title application! Time to get some miles on this gem!

I’ve been driving city and highway and am having this noise come from the rear axle. It’s a womp womp womp sound that is consistent regardless of acceleration, deceleration, braking, turning.

My guess is a bearing issue, but I figured I’d post up here before I start throwing parts at it.

Mike


https://imgur.com/gallery/ySYj3Ev

[redroadster]

Time to put it on a lift ,running ....won't be hard to pinpoint

[Jimmers74]

Make sure your rear wheels are torqued on properly. If the wheel is mounted and tightened, but not flat against the end of the axle, it will give you all sorts of sounds. I would jack it up, loosen and retighten both rear wheels. And while you have them off, make sure these are the correct wheels for the car. Close doesn't count.

[GeoffM]

Almost certain it's a wheel bearing. Mine exhibited exactly the same.

[Linda]

Maybe ujoints or the driveline is loose at the differential end. Worth checking
Linda

[The Neck]

Almost certain it's a wheel bearing. Mine exhibited exactly the same.

Which bearing was it that you found to be bad? I assumed that’s what the issue was, but wanted to pin point the bearing before I threw pricy parts at it.

I was planning g on replacing all the axle bearings since this is going on. If ones going, the others may be right around the corner.

[C.Costine]

Hey neck, that is not an odd noise that is the usual sound of a bad bearing. Hopefully it is one of the wheel bearings. As red roadster said, with it in the air you will be able to isolate it readily. While you have it up, before checking the wheel bearings, check the oil in your diffy. If it is milky like a coffee milkshake it has condensation in the oil which will cause bearings to rust and get pitted and make that noise. Moisture laden air, if you ever get that in Colorado, can get drawn in as the diffy cools off after running, and if it goes mostly on short trips it doesn't get heated up enough to drive the moisture out. Moisture slowly builds up and mixes with the oil while driving. Modern oils tend to hold the oil in suspension.

[GeoffM]

Almost certain it's a wheel bearing. Mine exhibited exactly the same.

Which bearing was it that you found to be bad? I assumed that’s what the issue was, but wanted to pin point the bearing before I threw pricy parts at it.

I was planning g on replacing all the axle bearings since this is going on. If ones going, the others may be right around the corner.

The rear axle bearing

[Gregs672000]

Not trying to scare anyone, but I do recall we lost a friend of Ross' (Sport Imports) several years back due to an improperly repaired rear wheel bearing that seized and caused the car to crash (this is my recollection, and if I'm wrong please forgive me. And it WAS NOT work Ross had done). My point is, it's important that things are done correctly and all new parts are used. Keep safe out there, drive hard!

[The Neck]

Hmm. I'm jacking it up tonight, and will inspect the pass side where I believe the bad bearing is. I've replaced many bearings, and will certainly take my time with this like the others. So I'd be sure to do this correctly with new parts.

As of now I'm looking at replacing all the bearings and am looking at this kit here.

https://www.datsunparts.com/1573

Mike

[Gregs672000]

Mike, I'm very glad to hear you're experienced and wise... I want nothing but the best outcome for you! As I understand it, the collars are kinda funky. Sunny side up!

[GeoffM]

Mike, I'm very glad to hear you're experienced and wise... I want nothing but the best outcome for you! As I understand it, the collars are kinda funky. Sunny side up!

I used heat to remove and reuse the collar...I think about it often. I should just replace it for piece of mind.

[gnoplos]

I know a guy with one for sale if you need one. Its me. I'm the guy.

[The Neck]

I know a guy with one for sale if you need one. Its me. I'm the guy.

You have the collars for sale?

I'm wondering if I should just tear into the rear end before ordering parts and getting a good idea of what I need, although from what it sounds like, I need the wheel bearing kit as a minimum. I didn't end up looking at it the other day because it's been nice out and I'd rather go for a drive than pull stuff apart.

Mike

[redroadster]

pinion pin in the diff. Has spun and starting to sling ?
A guess. That sounds like the drum rubbing way different than a WB starting to go ...but may have rusted the race severely
Those electronic stethascopes are handy at diag noises
Some 50 -65 $ fun to play with too