Been away for awhile cuz brick has been running good. Of late, however, a rear end noise has developed, slight perhaps, nonetheless bothersome. Year and half back had rear seal replaced, lousy job, had to get it sleeved later. Anywho, leak stopped, good to go. Now the noise. So, thought to meself, "Self, do you think they bothered to top up the final drive after the seal replacement?"

Pulled plug, had to add about half a teacup. And now the slight gear noise? Question:

Will the noise get worse as I drive for awhile?

I know it's a Dana, very common, but when in for service at a drivetrain shop they said, "Ooh no a furrin car!" Thanx.

Update, took it to drivetrain specialty shop for professional opinion. For fifty bucks they lifted it, spun the rear end while listening with stethoscope. Diagnosis? Complete bearing kit for pumpkin and new bearings for wheels, plus seals. Six hours of labor, total, 1200 hunnerd bucks. I passed. I think they didn't know for sure what to do, so, throw the works at it. How about used axle and pumpkin? Same price. Drove it home and ran usual errands today.

A friend mechanic over the phone thinks they may have over torqued the pinion nut when replacing the pinion seal thus over loading the pinion bearing. That's the only final drive work ever done to any of the four bricks I've owned. Axiom, last thing worked on, usually what doesn't work. Whatever. Still surfing and reading up on final drives.

Hi there, so you been gone so long you think you are a newbie!
I don't think so with a couple thousand posts to your credit.

Anyway I thought I would tell you, in case you didn't know, that there are self contained bearings on the outer ends of the axles.
Self contained means they are separated from the pumpkins lubricant and may be either dry or worn or both.

I keep one on hand in case I find excessive play in and out on any axle or leakage through the seal.
I have a SKF kit waiting in my stock box for another day of surprise (:).
So far I have change out only one and it was on the passenger side axle.
I don't know if there is any relationship to that bearing going bad and having the right rear calipers stick on these cars. If that has ever happen it might have cooked the grease.
It would be worth giving both sides of the rear end a shake and service with grease or replace.


You will need the pads out and the emergency brake mechanisms turning totally free. If you have not inspected those under the rotor hub. You might be well served, to see if any noise could be coming from there as well.
Like the other poster said the noise description is rather vague, let alone like you say, "slight."

Phil

Thanx, listened today carefully out for groceries and such. Definitely gear noise. Not real loud. Think I'll drive it carefully, locally through the winter. This is the second 200 I've owned. Also two 140s. Never heard a rear end noise. Only 182k on this one. If it gets loud, plan B.

Depends upon what type of noise. Is it clunking? Or a metallic/bearing type noise? If it is a gear whine I'd just drive it. I've had many cars develop a rear end or tranny whine with age. Cross fingers - never had one die. Pretty common, might not have any effect on the differential's longevity.

You could try changing fluids or add lubes, but if it is a whine I don't think it will matter...