Rear Axle Noise

Many noises that may seem to be coming from the rear axle, are actually from other sources such as:
^ The tires
^ The wheel bearings
^ The engine and/or the transmission
^ The exhaust system
^ The body
^ The road surface
Another source of noise is the rear axle differential. The rear axle differential gears, like any other mechanical device, are not absolutely quiet and should be accepted as being commercially quiet unless some abnormal noise is present. To assist in determining the different types of rear axle noise, refer to Rear Drive Axle Noises.
A thorough and careful check should be made in order to determine the source of the noise before disassembling the rear axle.