99 awd rear wheel noise

[krsowles]

So my 99 is many steps ahead of the 91 I had! When driving around there is noise that's been there since I bought it. Kind of a rrrrrrrr rrrrrrrrr rrrrrrrr. High tech lingo, I know! Seemed to be matched to wheel speed. Thought a rear wheel bearing so jacked it up to check. No play to speak of up and down or side to side but both axles have what I would call "end play". I can push/pull them slightly. Assuming some wear in rear diff but hope this may be normal? Won't fix my noise though! Would love some input, Thanks, Kelly

[LiftedAWDAstro]

The end play is normal as there is a "C" clip holding the axles in the carrier. The noise could be tires with a weird wear pattern, bad u-joint or even bad pinion bearings. Have you rotated the tires to see if it follows? Is there any play in the pinion? Is the seal leaking? Have you popped the rear diff cover the do an inspection? Start there but make sure you can get the fill plug out of the housing first.

[krsowles]

Ran out of time for today and got no where with it. Didn't pull driveshaft yet. U joints in it seem fine, as does pinion bearing but need to pull driveshaft out to confirm. Pinion seal not leaking. Never thought to rotate tires though. ](*,) . Seems as good a spot to start(it's free!), then pull driveshaft and rear cover. Thanks for the advice, almost overlooked an easy step! Kelly