Somewhere toward the rear of the car I hear a squeeling noise when at speeds anywhere between 30-45mph and when backing up. Any speed below or above this the noise stops. This just started happening a couple of days ago. Checked the fluid in the rearend and it seems to be fine. Is this the wheel bearings going bad, or could it be something else?

 

You sure it's not your tires? Mine tend to squeal sometimes!

[Sorry, I couldn't help that!]


Have you changed the fluid lately, and if so, did you use the good ol' additive?

(Mine has never done that, so not sure, but I bet someone here will know).

Good luck!

 

hmm - mines been doing something similar lately - around that speed if i take left hand turns it squeals like a freight train- now been doing it slowly on left hand turns.... .

thought it was wheels or brakes or something rubbing since ton of stuff was just redone on both past week or so

 

Took it to my machanic yesterday and he said that my rear pinion bearing was where it was coming from. About 6 months ago I had the rear pinion seal replaced. He said that they probally tightened the bolt to tight when replacing this seal and it has caused the bearing to wear out.
Anyway, it's going to cost me $550.00 parts and labor to have it fixed.
Does that sound like to much?

 

I'd say yeah its to much !

You can buy a whole used 10 bolt off the forum for $200-250 and just replace it as a whole !

It could be your brakes making the noise...

I'd simply try changing the fluid first, dont forget the GM additive !!

 

If it's the bearing then don't put it off. Nothing good comes out of having a rear end siezing up on you. If it's the front bearing then it's an easy job to replace it. The pressed-on pinion bearing sucks

 

my '97 is doing the exact same thing! i think its the wheel bearings. it squeals so bad that it embarrass's me! hope to get it fixed soon and i hope that it is the wheel bearing and not something more important!

 

Mine still does it occasionally, but it is more of a moan than a squeal.

It was doing it very often...but...
I swapped rear-ends and in my new one I just changed out the fluid with 100% Mobil Synthetic gear oil. Well, I heard the noise and found out about the additive, so I tried it. It almost completely stopped the noise.

Like I said, it still does it occasionally, but it is only during right hand turns while I am braking, sometimes. Who knows...as long as it doesn't break something, I guess I will just keep going. There are no other bad signs of anything.