The 'E' Type Forum

Noise from Rear end
I have a series 3 V12.
There is a squeeking type noise coming from the rear end. It could be from a hub but I'm not sure. Sounds a bit like a worn bearing but the sound dissapears when I take the power off and coast along. When I put accelerator down sounds returns. Could this be a drive shaft problem or a wheel bearing? Or am I barking up the wrong tree. I have got a slight leak from the prop shaft seal to the diff, although the seal has been replaced recently. Mechanic said there was some wear around the seal area that could be allowing seapage. Don't know if its connected.
Any thoughts welcome.
Cheers Mike

Mike

This sounds like a drive shaft or prop shaft universal joint (U/J) to me purely because it's only there under load conditions, ask your mechanic to check them

Regards

It is very unlikely that it is a wheel bearing problem , as these are usually not drive/overrun sensitive, and indeed the easiest way to hear them is to engage neutral and coast along. UJ problems could be the answer , but again these usually show themselves with clonking on load reversal and a high frequency vibration which often completely blurs the rear view mirror. The thing I would do immediately is check the final drive oil level

I have a similar described noise form the "rear end" loud high pitch whine, under engine load, particularly at 65mph virtually goes away at 80mph and have always assumed it to be the diff. (crown & pinion etc.). Is there any method to positively identify whether it is a drive shaft UJ? Far easier and cheaper to rectify if it is!!

John H.

I will get the final drive oil level checked but as it is still dripping I would assume that there is still oil in there. Ref the U/J theory, there is no clunking and no vibration. Drive is all very smooth. The sound coming from the rear is more like a wheel bearing sound with an intermitant squeeking as it rotates. But as I said before the sound goes away when the power is not applied. I will get it checked as I am going to Silverstone on the 23rd and I don't want to be one of Clarksons E Types that didn't quite make it!!

Intermittent squeaking as it rotates ?! That sounds like the UJ protective cover rubbing against the hub carrier. They are a real pain and many people take them off now . You can usually see witness marks where one or other edge of a cover, on one or both sides, is just touching the inner surface of the hub carrier. Usually - provided the rivets which hold the two clamshell halves together are not broken - just slackening the jubilee clip and moving the cover inwards a little will eliminate the touching, but you may need to fiddle about with it a bit

I would guess it's the hub rubbing against it's lining.
Is it a high-pitched sound?

It is a higher pitch sound, but is only there when you apply throttle. When off the pedal there is no sound.
Mike

Finally sorted the problem !! :D
Dropped the rear cage out, replaced the diff pinion seal, new shocks X 4, new springs x 4. All new suspension bushes etc.... Squeaking still there !!! :? So finally took out the rear pads, cleaned everything up, copperslip applied, replaced pads and it's now cured the sqeaking !!!

Bloomin' expensive rear pads!!

Nah, The rest needed doing anyway! The diff was dropping oil on the garage floor and the block paved driveway, (wife not happy). The rear of the car was sitting too low, so decided to renew springs and shocks. Only downside was I replaced all four shocks (Koni) and they were all ok.
Anyone need some rear koni's for a V12.

Mike