Help me guys. My '88 SC 2.8 V6 has had this whining in the rear end since I bought it. I can hear it at any RPM, it doesn't change with gears, it just gets louder as I go faster. If I shift to neutral it still makes the noise. Even in reverse it makes the noise, if I'm going fast enough; which happens every now and then. I even got to the top of this huge hill where I live, shut the car off, and rolled down the hill in neutral. It made the noise.

I suspect it's the rear end, hence the title of the thread. But I don't know exactly what in the rear end. It's so loud that most people can't hear the radio if they're riding in the back.

I think it's either the axle bearings or something to do with ring/pinion. Anyone have any ideas?

 

i think you need to look at the bearings or the ring and pinion if that's what you think it is.

 

It may be worth it to take it to a shop and pay to have it inspected. A shop will be able to put it on a lift and run it in order to narrow down the cause. Inspection fee should be around $50 or so depending where you are. Potentially less expensive than swapping out parts you may not need.

Post back with any findings. I wouldn't pay very much for any repairs to the rear end. A used one can be had for around $150 or so and swapped in an afternoon.