When I let off the gas pedal, my car's rear end growls.
This only happens when I drive city speed limits (~50mph).

Akshay
1989 Camaro RS T-5

 

I've got a 1989 Camaro RS 2.8L with the T5 5-speed manual and mine growls too, but only during de-acceleration, and more so in 1st and 2nd. Also when I am turning around 4000 RPM and shift from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd, I can hear a momentary growl, guess that would be the synchronizers. In my case, I think the growling is all coming from the transmission, I will not be surprised when the day comes that it needs rebuilt, but I hope that is as far away as possible.

My 1987 Camaro Sport Coupe 2.8L w/ the T5 is nice and quiet, and it has more miles than the 1989 RS (although I don't know if it's tranny has been worked on or not). The V6 in the RS is a good deal peppier though, that's for sure. The RS has 87,000 where as the SC has 128,000 (possibly 228,000 - but if that's the case, this thing is running great for the high mileage).

 

I'm sure you have checked the rear end gear oil level.
It sounds like the pinion gear to me . Ive heard a lot of the f-bodies make pinion gear noise.

To check the pinion gear put the car on jack stands.

Place the car in Neutral .

Crawl under the car and turn the driveshaft back and forth.

Check to see how much movement you have befor the rear wheel turns. I am really not sure how much movement is acceptable you may want to check in anothe part of the boards to find out.

Push the drive shaft up and down near the rear universal yoke and check for pinion gear shaft for movement . If you have up and down movement the pinion bearing could be bad.

 

How many miles on the rear?
At 211,500 miles on my S-10 Blazer rear, I am swapping in a lower milage, axle flange leakfree rear end. Cheaper than rebuilding.
Growl, try HOWL!!
Ever do any maintenance on it?

 

I just put a An '87 Iroc disc rear into my '87 rs last month. Been geting a slight chirp noise- Thought it was wheel bearings. I did a visual on the gears and posi without removing everything before I installed it(got the axle from a junkyard) and everything look great so I figured I would put it in first and see what I have in stead of just imediately replacing bearings.

When I took it apart last week to inspect and replace the wheel bearing, I figured I check out the posi further also. The internal drum assembly of the posi was cracked and 4 of the 5 set screws the hold the unit together snapped of with the slightest pressure. Black areas on the cracked bolts indicated this damage was these for awhile.

Anyway, I had to throw a new Auburn Posi unit into it. Just watch what you get from a junkyard- it probably is junk.

 

I'm sorry, I meant howl.
I can't believe I said growl...gerrrrrrr.


akshay

 

Same thing, noise from back there.
Usually bearings.
Depends on how much you can stand the noise.
When I rebuilt the rear of my Corvette, I "resealed" diff housing & gears.
Shoulda done bearings, too.
But, I'm gonna new gears (3:36), so it'll be fine, eventually.
Do you know Orange Coast Corvette & J & D Corvette?
Good folks.
The S-10 B;lazer axle I'll get is free & I'll open it up.
Regardless, it's way nicer than my current & I saw vehicle it came from.
Comes with springs (used in pick up truck), too.
Some plusses I can't argue with.
PLUS it's a 3:42, also, same as current.
AND no leaks!
Will get a new pinion seal, just cause.

 

Ked, Next time you go to J&D Corvettes, Tell Hyime that you are friends with Jim Ekas' son and he'll be "more helpful" to you. My father has also known him for years. I used to know Mike the manager at Coast Corvettes in Anahiem but its been years since I've been in there. They are kind of expensive.

 

Yea check the rear end oil. I have never seen one that didnt leak a little bit, unless it had ben serviced in the last 10 years.

one of those things no one ever does and it should be serviced every 7-10 years. Most get services every 20-30 if that. They will last forever but they like fresk gear oil too.

 

Tell Dennis,
Karl with the 1974 sent ya.
They are such great people (ALL OF THEM) to deal with (J & D).
Rod over at Orange Coast is a PRIMO GENT, too!
Coast always was expensive.

Been visiting J & D since 1995.
Love that wrecking yard of theirs
Guys, their yard is loaded with about - 30-40 Corvettes, various vintages (C-3-C-4-C-5), three large buildings of specific corvette parts (various vintages) and so on.....
Kinda cool!

I do have to visit soon, as I need a new front (73-74) & rear (74) cap. Dennis has promised me a great deal! I always try to send them more business, they EARN it (Orange and J & D)

 

I ate some re-fried redbeans and rice lastnight and I tell ya what , my rear end was doing some growling !

 

Looks like you've got the connection thing handled well .

 

Let's Get Real.
When you walk into a place and mention the part is a for a Corvette
I'll take ANY advantage for a discount!
Great thing is, it's so many vendor choices for the 3rd Gen stuff, no beggin' yet!!
Those days are numbered, and closing the door fast.
Grab lots of plastic stuff you can.