[SOLVED] Whining noise from the rear axle

Jarek · 07-16-2021, 03:42 AM

Hello,

I have got my car recently and I observed that above 60mph there is a whining noise from somewhere in the back of the car - sounds like electrical engine whine. Not very loud but enough to get noticed.
Wanted to check if this is normal - maybe shaft or limited slip differential or axle is producing this as way of normal work but want to make sure that this is not an early warning that something is off.
I was suspecting the wheel bearings but since noise appears only above 60 I believe I can rule this out.
Also I have to admit that for last 10y I have driven with FWD Saab 9-3 so this sound is unusual to me (and I simply cannot remember if my previous car RWD/AWD '91 Chevy Blazer also produced a similar sound). So maybe I am just being paranoid here

I would be grateful for some feedback here.

BR,
Jarek

LT1ornothing · 07-16-2021, 05:07 AM

Has the differential fluid ever been changed to your knowledge?

Jarek · 07-16-2021, 05:42 AM

Yes - this one was changed BoJun - 1,5m back (along with engine oil and filters, only trans fluid needs to be changed - this will happen next week)

Zaqwert6 · 07-16-2021, 06:13 AM

Whine from the back is not normal. It's not likely good.

Jarek · 07-16-2021, 06:43 AM

In that case what should I check - what can possibly make such noise?

redcoats1976 · 07-16-2021, 07:06 AM

i believe your car(SS) requires special rear end lube for the traction locking differential.it could also be too much tolerance in the differential gears which can be shimmed in the case to provide proper clearance if needed.

Jarek · 07-16-2021, 07:42 AM

I believe the special fluid was used when change was made but regarding the tolerance - this is sth that I may ask mechanic to check.
Thank you for advice

LT4Greg · 07-16-2021, 06:52 PM

Get it checked by a mechanic is my advice to you. Good luck.��

Jarek · 07-18-2021, 01:36 PM

I will definitely do that.
However I have one more thing to check - RunFlat tires.
I know they are noisier than regular and this noise have droning quality (related to speed) that may be caused by tires. Also I noticed it below 60 even at 40 and mostly when the throttle was off.
Adding to that rear end has different tires than front - rear tires are GY Asymmetric 2 (2020, 275/35R20) and front are Pirelli P Zero 4 (2019, 245/40R20).
Also I need to revisit the wheel bearings that I ruled out in the 1st post as this is also a possibility.

m6-lt1 · 07-18-2021, 02:11 PM

I had a bearing noise from my rear diff that was extremely faint. It only made the noise between 47-55 mph with my foot barely on the gas. If i had my foot on the gas with more pressure than what's required to maintain my speed or if i let go of the gas the noise would disappear. Gm replaced my diff and that noise disappeared. I want to point out that the bearing noise was extremely faint and not everyone would hear it unless they had good ears. I also want to point out that diffs can also make noise within a speed range only when coasting. If the noise you're hearing is within a specific mph range there's a good chance it is the diff.

edit - just read that you hear it between 40 and 60 mph. If I had to guess I don't think it's the bearings in your diff. I could be wrong about this but I feel like when they make noise it's typically within a smaller mph range like mine.

Jarek · 07-19-2021, 03:35 AM

Thank you for sharing m6-lt1.
In this case diff is a less probable (which is good).
That leaves me with wheel bearings making this noise or tires.
It would be nice if it was tires as you can ignore it (as this is not an issue) or change the tires

Still need to consult the mechanic - get him to listen to this noise and probably lift the car to check bearings and then we will know for sure.

Nilly Welson · 07-19-2021, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redcoats1976

i believe your car(SS) requires special rear end lube for the traction locking differential.it could also be too much tolerance in the differential gears which can be shimmed in the case to provide proper clearance if needed.

What special lube? You mean rear end fluid?

Jarek · 07-20-2021, 12:18 PM

I believe redcats1976 meant the special fluid/oil for limited slip differential. And such fluid was changed in my car recently.

Finally I had my car checked today - seems that rear-right wheel bearing is generating that noise.
Need to find replacement part then.

I believe that closes this topic then.

Jarek · 07-21-2021, 06:09 PM

BTW does anybody know the PN for the wheel bearing (or/and hub)?

07-16-2021, 03:42 AM	#1
Jarek Drives: 2017 2SS Convertible Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Warsaw, Poland, EU Posts: 95	[SOLVED] Whining noise from the rear axle Hello, I have got my car recently and I observed that above 60mph there is a whining noise from somewhere in the back of the car - sounds like electrical engine whine. Not very loud but enough to get noticed. Wanted to check if this is normal - maybe shaft or limited slip differential or axle is producing this as way of normal work but want to make sure that this is not an early warning that something is off. I was suspecting the wheel bearings but since noise appears only above 60 I believe I can rule this out. Also I have to admit that for last 10y I have driven with FWD Saab 9-3 so this sound is unusual to me (and I simply cannot remember if my previous car RWD/AWD '91 Chevy Blazer also produced a similar sound). So maybe I am just being paranoid here I would be grateful for some feedback here. BR, Jarek __________________ Camaro SS 2017 Convertible, 2SS trim, V8 6.2L 455HP 618Nm, A8, Silver Mods so far: K&N oil air filter, rear lamps EU conversion with sequential turn signal, exhaust modification to 4 tips (non-NPP), LED rear fog light (EU requirement), side-markers conversion to LED Mods planned: Morimoto LED lamps set (front) Last edited by Jarek; 08-17-2022 at 05:11 AM. Reason: topic solved

07-16-2021, 05:42 AM	#3
Jarek Drives: 2017 2SS Convertible Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Warsaw, Poland, EU Posts: 95	Yes - this one was changed BoJun - 1,5m back (along with engine oil and filters, only trans fluid needs to be changed - this will happen next week) __________________ Camaro SS 2017 Convertible, 2SS trim, V8 6.2L 455HP 618Nm, A8, Silver Mods so far: K&N oil air filter, rear lamps EU conversion with sequential turn signal, exhaust modification to 4 tips (non-NPP), LED rear fog light (EU requirement), side-markers conversion to LED Mods planned: Morimoto LED lamps set (front)

07-16-2021, 06:43 AM	#5
Jarek Drives: 2017 2SS Convertible Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Warsaw, Poland, EU Posts: 95	In that case what should I check - what can possibly make such noise? __________________ Camaro SS 2017 Convertible, 2SS trim, V8 6.2L 455HP 618Nm, A8, Silver Mods so far: K&N oil air filter, rear lamps EU conversion with sequential turn signal, exhaust modification to 4 tips (non-NPP), LED rear fog light (EU requirement), side-markers conversion to LED Mods planned: Morimoto LED lamps set (front)

07-16-2021, 07:42 AM	#7
Jarek Drives: 2017 2SS Convertible Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Warsaw, Poland, EU Posts: 95	I believe the special fluid was used when change was made but regarding the tolerance - this is sth that I may ask mechanic to check. Thank you for advice __________________ Camaro SS 2017 Convertible, 2SS trim, V8 6.2L 455HP 618Nm, A8, Silver Mods so far: K&N oil air filter, rear lamps EU conversion with sequential turn signal, exhaust modification to 4 tips (non-NPP), LED rear fog light (EU requirement), side-markers conversion to LED Mods planned: Morimoto LED lamps set (front)

07-16-2021, 06:52 PM	#8
LT4Greg Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Coupe Join Date: May 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,813	Get it checked by a mechanic is my advice to you. Good luck.�� __________________ ZL1 Coupe, PDR, Exposed carbon fiber hood insert, My Link with Nav, M6 6 speed and Silver Ice Metallic. Mods done: ceramic window tint, GM Accessories Camaro floor mats and Roto-Fab CAI.

07-16-2021, 05:07 AM	#2
LT1ornothing Drives: 2020 LT1 M6 Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: South, the DEEP south Posts: 1,114	Has the differential fluid ever been changed to your knowledge?

07-16-2021, 06:13 AM	#4
Zaqwert6 Drives: 2SS Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: USA Posts: 396 View My Garage	Whine from the back is not normal. It's not likely good.

07-16-2021, 07:06 AM	#6
redcoats1976 Drives: LT W/2LT,blue metallic Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: central florida Posts: 4,915	i believe your car(SS) requires special rear end lube for the traction locking differential.it could also be too much tolerance in the differential gears which can be shimmed in the case to provide proper clearance if needed.

07-18-2021, 01:36 PM	#9
Jarek Drives: 2017 2SS Convertible Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Warsaw, Poland, EU Posts: 95	I will definitely do that. However I have one more thing to check - RunFlat tires. I know they are noisier than regular and this noise have droning quality (related to speed) that may be caused by tires. Also I noticed it below 60 even at 40 and mostly when the throttle was off. Adding to that rear end has different tires than front - rear tires are GY Asymmetric 2 (2020, 275/35R20) and front are Pirelli P Zero 4 (2019, 245/40R20). Also I need to revisit the wheel bearings that I ruled out in the 1st post as this is also a possibility. __________________ Camaro SS 2017 Convertible, 2SS trim, V8 6.2L 455HP 618Nm, A8, Silver Mods so far: K&N oil air filter, rear lamps EU conversion with sequential turn signal, exhaust modification to 4 tips (non-NPP), LED rear fog light (EU requirement), side-markers conversion to LED Mods planned: Morimoto LED lamps set (front)

07-18-2021, 02:11 PM	#10
m6-lt1 Drives: 2023 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS 1LE Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,033	I had a bearing noise from my rear diff that was extremely faint. It only made the noise between 47-55 mph with my foot barely on the gas. If i had my foot on the gas with more pressure than what's required to maintain my speed or if i let go of the gas the noise would disappear. Gm replaced my diff and that noise disappeared. I want to point out that the bearing noise was extremely faint and not everyone would hear it unless they had good ears. I also want to point out that diffs can also make noise within a speed range only when coasting. If the noise you're hearing is within a specific mph range there's a good chance it is the diff. edit - just read that you hear it between 40 and 60 mph. If I had to guess I don't think it's the bearings in your diff. I could be wrong about this but I feel like when they make noise it's typically within a smaller mph range like mine.

07-19-2021, 03:35 AM	#11
Jarek Drives: 2017 2SS Convertible Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Warsaw, Poland, EU Posts: 95	Thank you for sharing m6-lt1. In this case diff is a less probable (which is good). That leaves me with wheel bearings making this noise or tires. It would be nice if it was tires as you can ignore it (as this is not an issue) or change the tires Still need to consult the mechanic - get him to listen to this noise and probably lift the car to check bearings and then we will know for sure. __________________ Camaro SS 2017 Convertible, 2SS trim, V8 6.2L 455HP 618Nm, A8, Silver Mods so far: K&N oil air filter, rear lamps EU conversion with sequential turn signal, exhaust modification to 4 tips (non-NPP), LED rear fog light (EU requirement), side-markers conversion to LED Mods planned: Morimoto LED lamps set (front)

07-20-2021, 12:18 PM	#13
Jarek Drives: 2017 2SS Convertible Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Warsaw, Poland, EU Posts: 95	I believe redcats1976 meant the special fluid/oil for limited slip differential. And such fluid was changed in my car recently. Finally I had my car checked today - seems that rear-right wheel bearing is generating that noise. Need to find replacement part then. I believe that closes this topic then. __________________ Camaro SS 2017 Convertible, 2SS trim, V8 6.2L 455HP 618Nm, A8, Silver Mods so far: K&N oil air filter, rear lamps EU conversion with sequential turn signal, exhaust modification to 4 tips (non-NPP), LED rear fog light (EU requirement), side-markers conversion to LED Mods planned: Morimoto LED lamps set (front) Last edited by Jarek; 07-20-2021 at 04:23 PM.

07-21-2021, 06:09 PM	#14
Jarek Drives: 2017 2SS Convertible Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Warsaw, Poland, EU Posts: 95	BTW does anybody know the PN for the wheel bearing (or/and hub)? __________________ Camaro SS 2017 Convertible, 2SS trim, V8 6.2L 455HP 618Nm, A8, Silver Mods so far: K&N oil air filter, rear lamps EU conversion with sequential turn signal, exhaust modification to 4 tips (non-NPP), LED rear fog light (EU requirement), side-markers conversion to LED Mods planned: Morimoto LED lamps set (front)

User Name		Remember Me?
Password