Inspection and Verification (Start Testing Here)

Certain rear axle and driveline symptoms are also common to the engine, transmission, wheel bearings, tires and other parts of the vehicle. For this reason, make sure the cause of the condition is in the rear axle before adjusting, servicing or replacing any parts.

Rear axle concerns can be diagnosed and corrected quickly by following the proper procedures. Being able to perform a good diagnosis is necessary to eliminate guesswork and save time.

This defines various possible rear axle conditions and tests for identifying the cause, and the service procedure. The four rear axle conditions that will be reviewed are:
1. Leakage conditions:
a. rear axle drive pinion seal
b. pinion nut
c. inner wheel bearing oil seal
d. casting porosity
e. weld leaks
f. Rear axle housing vent
2. Vibration conditions:
a. tires
b. driveline angle
c. drive pinion stem and rear axle universal joint flange
d. wheel flange runout
3. Noise conditions:
a. non-axle noise
b. axle noise:
(1) gear noise
(2) chuckle
(3) knock
(4) clunk
(5) bearing noise
(6) chatter on corners
(7) click at engagement
(8) axle shaft noise
(9) bearing rumble
4. Inoperative conditions:
a. broken pinion stem
b. broken welds
c. wheel bearing damage
d. axle lockup

The diagnostic material also deals with symptom analysis which aids the technician in discovering the original cause of a concern so that repeat service can be avoided. However, the purpose of this is to provide information on service steps of special importance.