Drivetrain noise assistance w/ video

Hey Guys,

Need a little help identifying this noise:

https://youtu.be/7H2RUVbX60Y

I first thought it was the RR brake drum, so I took it apart last weekend, cleaned and reinstalled. No dice. That led me to think it's the RR wheel bearing, but that's disproven since the noise persists while the wheel has stopped.

I'm not sure how free the wheels are supposed to turn in neutral while on jack stands, but I can free spin the LR and the RR is very difficult to move.

Working my way towards the rear diff now, but also working outside of my comfort zone.

Other information:
while driving, if turning left the noise is quieter, turning right and the noise is louder. Also, I have not removed the hub/shaft assembly on either side for inspection. No other visible issues. No dummy lights.

Thanks and your guys' help is much appreciated!

-Jon

 

Yeah, I did a once over but I'll go over it again in a few.

 

At first glance I would say the Right rear brake is probably dragging. But doesn't explain the wheel not moving along with the noise. Sounds like you probably did break something in the diff. Maybe sheared splines on the axle or stripped teeth off the right rear axle spider gear. It should have a E-Locker rear, maybe something happened to the locking mechanism. Where you 4wheeling?

 

When lifted up like that in gear both wheels should spin, maybe not spin at the same speed, but spin some.

 

good ideas. With the truck in neutral and engine off, I spun the LR wheel and watched the driveshaft spin. No noise. I think we're able to narrow down that the driveshaft itself is OK. I agree the brake is dragging a bit and I'm going to fix that as well.

Yeah, I've been wheeling recently but didn't have any direct mishaps that caused any strife at the time. Yep it's an e-locker, but I haven't used the e-locker for probably 5k. I've just been sliding around on snow and ice using either 4H or 2H. (Unless it's used automatically?!)

I'm going to pull the wheel off in the morning, remove the brake drum and try to spin the hub ass'y.

Would anybody know how difficult it is to pull the half-shaft/hub assembly out and inspect the spline drive? If I get it out and discover the spline is damaged, what are the chances the corresponding spider gear is damaged as well? I only ask because if the chances are great and I can't visually inspect the spider gear, it may be professional mechanic time. I wouldn't want to replace the spline drive only to lose another one in a few hundred miles.

Additionally, if I get in and find a damaged spline, I will flush and fill the rear diff to be safe.

 

Well before you pull the axle drain the oil in the diff, the plug is magnetic so if the spiders are chewed up there will be some big metal chunks on it. Now if the axel is broke the only real way to see that is to pull it. If you see the big metal chunks. I would say its time to get a mechanic. Pulling the axel should only be a couple of bolts under the hub of the axle. The bearing is pressed on to the axle but I would recommend having a axle seal on hand when you pull incase it gets damaged.