Driveshaft or carrier bearing

1998 SUBARU LEGACY
200,000 MILES • 2.5L • 4 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
ONYXSTA OWENS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
There is a sometimes chirping or sweeping and sometimes rubbing noise that happens sometimes when I am driving at low speeds. When I accelerate the noise goes away. I suspect U joints or carrier bearing. When I climbed under the car to see if there was any play in the u joints there was some play where the drive shaft enters the differential.
Jun 22, 2021 at 6:57 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Hi,

A carrier bearing or u-joint wouldn't make a rubber sound, so I don't think that is it.

What it sounds like to me is the center bearing on the rear driveshaft. Do me a favor. Place the vehicle on a level surface, put the parking brake on, block the wheels, and put the transmission in neutral to remove tension on the drive shaft.

Grab onto the center bearing and move it up, down, left, and right to see if there is excessive play. If I recall correctly, it is housed in rubber.

I attached a picture below of the part I'm referring to.

Let me know the results.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Jun 22, 2021 at 9:48 PM
Advertisement