CV/Half Shaft Failure?

[chris_flies]

I've had a noise coming from the rear, passenger side of my car, as some may be aware. It has the sound of a wheel bearing, but the bearing has absolutely no play in it. Under a stethoscope, the bearing makes very little noise, but that noise sounds like a normal, healthy bearing.

Today, I was again browsing around the rear subframe area, and found that my half shafts have some play in them. The passenger side one moves towards and away from the diff pretty easily. The driver side one doesn't move easily, and when you can move, you can only move it very minimally. Is this an indication as to the health of the half shafts? Which one is in worse condition? Any help is greatly appreciated. I want this noise gone. If not this year, next year.

Thanks again!

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by chris_flies

I've had a noise coming from the rear, passenger side of my car, as some may be aware. It has the sound of a wheel bearing, but the bearing has absolutely no play in it. Under a stethoscope, the bearing makes very little noise, but that noise sounds like a normal, healthy bearing.

A noisy bearing does not mean a loose bearing. Compare the right side to the left side. If one is louder, it is the bearing. Also, are you listening to the bearing at driving speed or just spinning it?

[chris_flies]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

A noisy bearing does not mean a loose bearing. Compare the right side to the left side. If one is louder, it is the bearing. Also, are you listening to the bearing at driving speed or just spinning it?

I'm listening while hand-spinning it. Is there a good way to listen to it at driving speed. Would pulling the tires off, jacking the rear end up, turning off DSC allow me to safely run the rear end up to speed without worry of it shaking itself off of the jack stands?

Any ideas on the half shafts?

[Gizmo135i]

Rear bearing failure is pretty common on the e80x/e90x... rear axles not so much.

Not sure I would put the car in drive on jack-stands, that would be pretty unsafe.... best bet is to get the car on a lift.

[chris_flies]

It seems that the CV joints aren't supposed to have as much play as they do. While I'm replacing the wheel bearing in the near future, I'll also be replacing the axle. I'd rather have to only take everything apart once per side, than to find out I replaced the wrong thing, and have to take it apart again.

[swagon]

Does it happen when you coast in neutral as well?

[chris_flies]

Originally Posted by swagon

Does it happen when you coast in neutral as well?

Yes. Clutch disengaged in gear, or clutch engaged in neutral. It makes the most noise under medium/heavy acceleration, or in any form of cornering.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by chris_flies

I'm listening while hand-spinning it. Is there a good way to listen to it at driving speed. Would pulling the tires off, jacking the rear end up, turning off DSC allow me to safely run the rear end up to speed without worry of it shaking itself off of the jack stands?

Any ideas on the half shafts?

I would only do it on a hoist.