Halfshaft or Bearing??

[Q451990]

I hear a squaling noise from the rear end of "Q1" when making a right turn. It seems a bit worse when it's colder outside, but it's fairly consistent.

With the car up on jackstands and the transmission in Drive I can hear a clicking noise coming from the right side of the rear end area.

Does this sound more like a bad half-shaft or a wheel bearing or both? The noise seems to be coming from the wheel end of the assembly, not the differential, and the differential isn't howling, so I guess that's good news.

I don't have HICAS, so I'm a little puzzled by the noise showing up only in turns, but I guess the lean is causing extra stress on the faulty component?

Car has 188K, and the wheel bearings, half shafts, differential, etc. are all original.

Heath

[DAEDALUS]

Given a choice, I would pick the bearing as the source of the squeal, but are you sure it's not related to either the disc or drum brake? The clicking doesn't really sound like a bearing. Put the car back up on stands, remove the tire, remove the pads, adjust the parking brake to loosen it, and secure the rotor to the hub with the lug nuts. Spin the wheel and listen again. REMINDER: Don't use the brakes at all with the pads removed.

[greg_atlanta]

One of my bearings went had because of an accident. They didn't catch it the first time, but as soon as I drove off I heard a low moaning noise. But it took a hard hit on a curb and was pretty obvious.

If it's not bad, just wait for warm weather! So many little annoyances clear up above 50 or 60 degrees!

[texasoil]

A 'Squealing noise' when turning will not be a bearing. A bearing will make a clicking or 'roaring' sound.

Usually, if a rear axle(hub) bearing develops a chip in a race or on a ball, it will get quieter if you put on the emergence brake.

A CV joint noise will normally get louder with increasing torque load.

Sometimes CV joint will make a slight sound when not loaded, but will be quiet under load. That indicates slight wear has occurred, but the joint is serviceable. Usually, so long as there is no radial play in the joint (move the shaft up/down play), thejoint is OK.

Let us know what you find

[Q451990]

Looks like I need to separate the half shaft from the hub. Then I can check for smooth operation of the bearing and notchiness in the hub. I definately don't hear the usual roaring from the rear end that would indicate a bad bearing - but I've never heard of anyone replacing a half shaft either! I'll let you all know what I find...

Thanks!

Heath