I've been having this problem since I got the car 2 months ago (99 Trans Am M6) and it seems to have been getting progressively worse. When I let off the gas or when coming to a stop, if I turn the wheel to the left even slightly, there is a very noticeable thumping, clicking, clunking noise coming from the rear. I have done several searches and it sounded like typical Torsen gear float noise. I changed the fluid, added GM LSD additive and it just got louder. I then noticed today on the highway going about 70 a weird vibration. It was an oscillating intermittent vibration/hum when I turned the wheel slightly to the left, went away when I turned right. Jacked the car up and the front wheels have no play what so ever but the rear wheels move in and out a bit. I know if there is play in the front tires it is usually a sign of a bad wheel bearing but I don't know if there is suppose to be any play in the rear tires. I am just about ready to take it to the stealership to have it checked out but I want to get some of your suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

 

Our rear ends are really weird sometimes. Mine did something similar, except it didn't matter whether or not I turned the wheel. Took it to the dealer. They took it apart, could find nothing wrong, so they reassembled it with new fluid and it's been quiet ever since. Go figure.

 

Anyone else???

 

I admit to being a n00b and not an actual intelligent "I know the solution to your problem" guy - but I'm personally wondering how steering the car, makes a rear end noise.

I'd think it would be a front end one. Steering doesnt do a whole lot to affect the rear end...


I'm anxious to hear other people's opinions too.

 

I wouldnt rule out a rear end noise poping up after the wheel is turned, f-bodies do some whacky things. In addition Borg Warner trannys arnt exactly top quality. However, I have seen cases where turning the wheel results in a noise from the rear suspension or the panhard bar while the car is moving. Personally i have never seen or heard about a part in the rear end making a noise when the wheel is turned.

 

I wouldn't necessarily rule out the rear end because if u turn the wheel then yes the front tires are still spinning at the same speed but the two rears are not. For instance if the wheel is turned to the left then the right rear tire would be spinning a slight bit faster that the left rear. I think it could have something to do with your differential but then again im just guessing.

 

Ok here goes again ... I had this same problem with my 2000 TA and just after 27000 mi.... I had taken it to the dealer 3 to 4 times..... it is your rear end..... the noise is like a loud ticking noise on left turns with no gas. and not a hard turn....... The dealer did everything lube the back end.... changed the gear oil...... even tried to tell me that is was normal for the car it was the posi clickin in and out..... I did not buy it told them to fix it or take the car back.... They replaced the gears in the rear and it fixed the prob. I asked if they ever found out what it was and they said it wore the gears down but they dont know why.... they said with the wear it caused some play so that is what I was hearing..... be careful though the dealer is going to have trouble finding the prob. so if it is comming out of your pocket just have the gears replaced total rear end job..... if you have any questions email me

 

Thanks for all the input, Yes it is what you are describing. I could change the gears out myself but are we just taking about the ring and pinion or the differential itself... bearings.... and all that good stuff. It is very annoying and it is all I focus on when driving, I got pulled over 2 hours ago because the cop thought I was drunk from swerving... "Officer, I am trying to dianose a drivetrain noise"

One more thing, does anyone have some in and out play on their rear wheels (jacking up the car and pulling and pushing in and out) I have a little and don't know if this is normal or not.

Thanks in advance

 

See if you have any play in the wheel when you lift the rear tires. I had that happen before on my Bronco. The outer bearing wore out and was cuting a groove into the axle.

Are you leaking any fluids?

 

what they replaced in my car wes the gears and bearings... same axel.... I dont know about the play have never had my car on jacks

 

about a year ago mine was really loud whining, that turned to a grinding sound the faster I went.
Took it to the dealer: carrier bearings were shot. So new bearings, new crush sleeve, and pinion seal, and it's as good as new now.

 

I just had the problem fixed. It took the dealership 4 times before they got it right. The shop manager told me it was the spider gears. I hope that tells you what you need to change. As for the reason, the shop manager couldnt tell me why the spider gears got all jacked up but they ended up changeing wheel bearings, and a whole new housing before they changed the spider gears. It was all under warranty so it didnt cost me a dime except haveing no car for a while. Hope that answers your questions.

 

he says he had that prob defintly tell the dealer to change the spider gears......

 

The only bad thing is that my car is no longer under warrenty So everything is out of my pocket, a diagnosis is $35 I think. I want to try all my options before the dealer sees it.

 

If you decide to change it all, I have an extra carrier, in fact I have an extra rear end (complete) from a 99. The gears are bad but the rest is good. Give me a reasonable offer and its yours. I'll let it go cheap!

To answer your question, you should not have in/out play on your rear wheels. Your axles are held in place by c clips (carrier) and play in them could cause a bearing to fail, then your gears are next.

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