99 e350 dana 60 noise?

[nathan.fields]

I have a 1999 e350 super duty 15p, dana 60 rear axle, my mother pointed out an extreamly annoying noise coming from the rearend, the sound is nearly identacle to brake squeal. I removed the rotors, had them turned replaced the pads, (parking brake pads have near perfect amount of friction material) as well and scuffed the inner of rotors (parking brake drum) on a whim I rotated the hub assembly with no rotors nor calipers attached on either side, and the sqeal is still there, I thought exactly what you are thinking, wheel bearings. I replaced both inner and outer wheel bearings on both sides, drove it for a little while (5-8 miles) and it did not make the noise, unless backing at very low speeds, Yeah!!! Well i drove it to the pumpkin patch, 25-30 miles highway speeds, the noise has returned!! I needs some help peoples!!! My next step is to replace the entire axle assembly hub to hub, yoke to cover, please somebody hopefully knows what is making this noise!!

[theoldwizard]

Look for a shop that specializes in rear axles and differentials. Not many around, but they are best qualified to diagnosis your noise.

[91xltlariat]

Does it have a one piece driveshaft or a two piece. If it's a two piece may be the carrier bearing.

[Grems4Ever]

What about u-joints? I've had some u-joint noise that sounded like the entire rear end was coming apart.

Just an idea...

[nathan.fields]

Its a one piece driveshaft, i removed both rear hubs, put it in neutral, no noise, i've narrowed it down to the hubs, any ideas? Do i need new hubs?

[Grems4Ever]

Don't rule anything out yet...

Under the conditions you describe, there is no load on any of the axle parts. Adding the stress of moving the weight of the vehicle may change things.

I doubt that the hubs themselves are bad - they are usually pretty indestructible. I'd drop the driveshaft and check those u-joints just to be sure. What could it hurt? U-Joints are far cheaper than major rear axle repairs.

Grems