Rear Axle Shaft Bearing Noise: Notes

A rough rear axle shaft bearing produces a vibration or growl which continues with the vehicle coasting and the transmission in neutral. A brinelled rear axle shaft bearing causes a knock or click approximately every two revolutions of the rear wheel. Since the rear axle shaft bearing rollers do not travel at the same speed as the rear axle shaft, this condition can be diagnosed by supporting the rear axle with a hydraulic floor jack and spinning the rear wheels by hand and listening at the hub for evidence of a rough or brinelled rear axle shaft bearing.