I have an 89 firebird. 305 tbi it has a 10 bolt axle with 2.73 gears. I Just replaced the driverside axle shaft and put in a new bearing. When i test drove it it had a distinct howl. I talked to a mechanic and he said it was probly a different bering going out. Recently i can hear a loud clanking noise. I quit driving it and am trying to figure out if it is just the bearing or something else. Any info will be helpfull.

 

I guess this noise is new and wasn't there before the axle was replaced? This is probably a stupid question, but you did put 2 quarts of gear oil in after the axle was installed, right? Did you put some oil in the axle bearing before you put the axle in?

 

The axle shaft was bent because the previose owner hit a telephone pole. So i replaced the axle shaft. Yes i did put 2 quarts of gear oil in after i replaced it. and yes i did put some oil in the axle bearing before i put it in.

 

Do you think the axle tube might be bent?

 

Did you put posi additive if it is a posi rear? If the sound is more of a winding noise that could be your problem. Is there a particular side you can hear the noise from?

 

I dont believe the tube is bent. I guess i havent taken a close look at it. It isnt a posi differential so i didnt put any additive in. The noise seems to be coming from the center. I guess i could check it out more. Its not a winding noise, it sounds like metal is taping together. It doesnt sound good.

 

put the rear end in the air and open up the cover and turn the wheels and see if u can locate the noise.

 

did you change the race too? How are your u-joints and pinion bearing? The u-joints could contribute to your clunk as well.

 

yes bad u joints, would contribute to a clanking noise, but only if the noise is heard when going from Park to drive, or Park to reverse, otherwise the bad u joint would vibrate when driving, and play would be even more noticed when the driveshaft is turned by hand. a u joint could be the problem, but the same sound can be caused by a bad torque arm bushing, too much backlash in the ring and pinion gear. one way to tell if its a bearing on its way out is if it gets louder the faster you drive. you can knock off another couple of possibilities if u figure out whether it makes noise when your coasting(foot off the throttle) or when you accelerate(torque sensitive) and that will help you narrow down between the front pinion bearing or the rear pinion bearing, but even if one was worn out, itd be good practice to just change both while the differential is being serviced, and while your at it you might aswell swap in some steeper gears, and then while your at it swap out that other axle. but also this all has to do with your budget, if your just trying to get this thing to run, do the diagnosis, but if u want this car to be mean as hell, swap out the gears(if it turns out the problem is a pinion bearing)