Front Drive Axle Noises: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Gear Noise

Gear noise or whine is audible from 32-89 km/h (20-55 mph) under 4 driving conditions:

Drive - Acceleration or heavy pull
Road Load - Vehicle driving load or constant speed
Float - Using enough throttle to keep the vehicle from driving the engine, the vehicle slows down gradually but the engine still pulls slightly
Coast - Throttle is closed and the vehicle is in gear

Gear noise most frequently has periods where the noise is more prominent, usually between 48-64 km/h (30-40 mph) and 80-85 km/h (50-53 mph). Gear whine is corrected by ring and pinion gear replacement or adjustment, depending on the mileage of the gear set.