| DEFINITION: A noise heard in the rear axle during all driving conditions. This noise may increase or decrease in volume based on different driving maneuvers and speeds. |
| Flat spot on the pinion or the ring gear teeth |
Replace the pinion and the ring gear. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD, and 11.5 Inch Axles) or Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) . |
| Flat spot on the pinion bearing |
Replace the bearing. Refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (8.6, 9.5, 11.5 Inch Axle) or Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) . |
| Worn pinion splines |
Replace the pinion. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD, and 11.5 Inch Axles) or Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) . |
| Low oil level |
Fill the fluid level to specifications with the proper lubricant. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (11.5 Inch Axle) or Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (8.6, 9.5 LD Axle) or Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (10.5 Inch Axle) . |
| Wrong or poor grade oil |
Drain and refill the system with the proper lubricant. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) or Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (9.5 Inch LD Axle) or Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) . |
| Excessive pinion to ring gear backlash |
Adjust the pinion to ring gear backlash. Refer to Backlash Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) or Backlash Adjustment (10.5, 11.5 Inch Axles) or Backlash Adjustment (9.5 LD Axle) . |
| Loose pinion bearings |
Adjust the pinion bearings preload. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) or Pinion Depth Adjustment (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD, and 11.5 Inch Axles) . |
| Excessive pinion end play |
Adjust the pinion end play. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) or Pinion Depth Adjustment (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD, and 11.5 Inch Axles) . |
| Incorrect differential bearing preload |
Adjust the differential bearing preload. Refer to Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (10.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axles) or Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) or Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (9.5, and 9.5LD Inch Axles) . |
| Incorrect backlash |
Adjust the pinion and ring gear backlash. Refer to Backlash Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) or Backlash Adjustment (10.5, 11.5 Inch Axles) or Backlash Adjustment (9.5 LD Axle) . |
| Worn pinion bearings |
Replace the pinion bearings. Refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (8.6, 9.5, 11.5 Inch Axle) or Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) . |
| Worn differential bearings |
Replace the differential bearings. Refer to Differential Side Bearings Replacement (All Except 9.75 Inch Axle) . |
| Worn pinion and ring gear |
Replace the pinion and ring gear. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD, and 11.5 Inch Axles) or Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) . |
| Excessive ring gear runout |
Replace the ring gear. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD, and 11.5 Inch Axles) or Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) . |
| Bent axle housing |
Replace the axle housing. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Replacement (w/Rear Drum) or Rear Axle Housing Replacement (w/Rear Disc ) . |
| Worn axle shaft dowel holes |
Replace the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle w/Drum Brake w/VSES) or Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle w/Drum Brakes w/o VSES) or Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6, 9.5 Inch Axles w/VSES) or to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement . |
| Worn hub studs |
Replace the wheel studs. Refer to Wheel Stud Replacement
. |
| Bent axle shaft |
Replace the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle w/Drum Brake w/VSES) or Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle w/Drum Brakes w/o VSES) or Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6, 9.5 Inch Axles w/VSES) or Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement . |