1998 Dodge Durango Consistent Steady Noise from Rear End.

HATCHIEMANN

MEMBER
1998 DODGE DURANGO
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
85,000 MILES

I've had my Durango for 6 years with nothing but the normal issues to deal with except for one thing. For the past 18 months, the read end started a steady grinding noise and get worse over time. It peaked and has not gotten worse, but it is steady and starts very low at low speeds and gets louder as you go faster, peaking at about 40 miles an hour. Then it just stays the same, fairly loud and constant. No vibrations in the ride at all and sounds like it's coming from everywhere under the truck from the drivers seat back. Depending on if the windows are open or closed. Open windows and it sounds like it's coming from the rear of the truck.
I'm sure I need to replace the bearings in the pumpkin as well as the rear wheel bearings. What else can I expect to have to change in the rear end while I have it open? I can find NO IPB's online of the rear end at all.
There is no clunking or banging noises, just the steady drone. All fluids are good and not even any metal shaving in the oils.
Is there any special place I can go online to find REAL pics and drawings of parts breakdowns for the rear end?

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,640 POSTS

Does the sound change when you make turns? Have you checked for play in the pinion bearing? I doubt that all of the bearings are bad. Chances are it is just one.

Let me know.

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Thursday, October 1st, 2009 AT 8:06 PM

HATCHIEMANN

MEMBER
1 POST

Thank You for your response;
No there is no change when turning the vehicle. It is only affected by the speed of the vehicle. Get's louder as the speed increases. It still drives like brand new with no vibrations at all. The rear wheels pass the "wiggle the tires in the air for looseness and jiggling" test. I don't know wether to attack the rear end or the transfer case. With the windows closed, it sounds like the transfer case area, with them open it sounds like the rear end. If I had a manual, it would make it easier, but this in my only recourse at the moment. I can't even find an illustrated parts breakdown of the rear end to know how the gears and bearings are arranged. I also don't know how to check for play in the pinion bearing. I appreciate your feedback.