Noisy in Drive

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Cause	Correction
Inspect for proper gear oil levels prior to performing system diagnosis.
Loose propeller shaft mounting bolts	Tighten the bolts as required. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
Worn propeller shaft constant velocity joint	Replace the propeller shaft assembly. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement . A worn propeller shaft constant velocity joint may create a clicking, grinding, or snapping type noise.
Worn or loose center bearing assembly	Replace the center bearing assembly as required. A worn center bearing may cause vehicle vibration or a grinding, squealing type of noise. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement .
Worn universal joints	Replace the universal joints as required. A worn universal joint may create a clicking or snapping type of noise. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement .
Worn axle shaft constant velocity joints	Replace/repair the constant velocity joints as required. A worn axle shaft constant velocity joint may create a clicking, grinding, or snapping type of noise. Refer to Symptoms - Rear Drive Axle .
Transfer case noise	Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Transfer Case procedure.
Worn or damaged axle mounting bushings (side)	Replace bushings as required. A worn bushing may create a clunk type of noise during acceleration or deceleration. Refer to Differential Housing Support Bushing Replacement (Rear) or Differential Housing Support Bushing Replacement (Front) .
Worn or damaged axle mounting bushing (rear)	Replace bushings as required. A worn bushing may create a clunk type of noise during acceleration or deceleration. Check bushing orientation; the tuning slots must be in proper position.
Loose rear mounting bracket	Tighten the bracket bolts as required. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
Loose or damaged prop guard	Repair or replace as required. A loose dust shield may contact the propeller shaft assembly and create a scraping or grinding type of noise.
Bearing noise within axle assembly	A grinding roar type of noise will increase or decrease relative to the vehicle speed. Check for proper fluid level. Refer to Differential Oil Replacement . If the noise continues, repair or replace the unit as required.
Gear set whine noise within axle assembly	A whine type of noise will increase or decrease relative to the vehicle speed, approximately 80-90 km/h (50-56 mph). Check for the proper fluid level. Refer to Differential Oil Replacement . Repair or replace the unit as required.
Shutter or moan at slow speeds or slow turns	A shutter or moan type of noise in slow sharp turns. RDM could be contaminated with the wrong fluid type/water. Replace the fluid; fill as required and retest under conditions. Refer to Differential Oil Replacement . Replace the drum.