Need help diagnosing a horrible groaning sound

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  • Landrunner
    Wrencher
    • Aug 2011
    • 221

    #1

    Need help diagnosing a horrible groaning sound

    I have a nasty grinding/clunking/groaning noise in the rear. It only does it after the car has been driven for a while. I recently did rear shock mounts so I know it's not that. It only does it when turning at a relatively low speed. It's been to two mechanics and neither has been able to pinpoint it. The rear subframe bushings look good and I don't think it's wheel bearings. Ideas?
  • Landrunner
    Wrencher
    • Aug 2011
    • 221

    #2
    Bump for some answers!

    Comment

    • jlevie
      R3V OG
      • Nov 2006
      • 13530

      #3
      Check the half shafts and rear wheel bearings.
      The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
      Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

      Comment

      • Landrunner
        Wrencher
        • Aug 2011
        • 221

        #4
        Would they do that only when the car has been driven for a while? How can I check half shafts? I'm assuming one of the two garages it was at would have figured out one of those two things since they are fairly visible. Differential?

        Comment

        • Landrunner
          Wrencher
          • Aug 2011
          • 221

          #5
          Bump

          Comment

          • alreadyRogue
            Advanced Member
            • Nov 2011
            • 135

            #6
            Could be the differential. You said turning, where each wheel would be spinning at different speed, which could cause groan.
            Might want to consider it.

            Comment

            • jlevie
              R3V OG
              • Nov 2006
              • 13530

              #7
              Originally posted by alreadyRogue
              Could be the differential. You said turning, where each wheel would be spinning at different speed, which could cause groan.
              Might want to consider it.
              A bad wheel bearing or a bad half shaft can also cause noise in a turn.
              The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
              Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

              Comment

              • Landrunner
                Wrencher
                • Aug 2011
                • 221

                #8
                All of the above can do it....I'm contemplating just replacing the axle shafts, differential, and wheel bearings. It is after all a 21 year old car and I'm sure the second I replace one item a new one will poop out. I'd rather do it all in one fell swoop than constantly be finding a new broken thing.

                Comment

                • jlevie
                  R3V OG
                  • Nov 2006
                  • 13530

                  #9
                  You can do it that way, but unless you are using new parts there is a chance that the result will be worse. I'd start with the wheel bearings. And I'd put the car on a lift and try to find the source of the noise if it was still present after wheel bearing replacement.
                  The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
                  Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

                  Comment

                  • Landrunner
                    Wrencher
                    • Aug 2011
                    • 221

                    #10
                    I would of course use new or rebuilt parts. I've had the car to two mechanics and neither was able to effectively trace the sound. It only happens when the car has been driven for a while.

                    Comment

                    • npolce
                      Noobie
                      • Jun 2012
                      • 1

                      #11
                      Did you ever figure the noise out. I have the exact same problems with my E30. Only happens after I drive it for a while. Help....

                      Comment

                      • TheBlik
                        Advanced Member
                        • Nov 2011
                        • 150

                        #12
                        Whats your fluid level in your diff? cuz after it would get hot and not going at speed, the oil doesnt jump so your diff clutches might be contacting each other metal to metal.
                        sigpicDiRTYE30-RALLYE30

                        Comment

                        • jeffw
                          E30 Enthusiast
                          • Sep 2008
                          • 1087

                          #13
                          Sounds like the diff. That would be my guess. does the sound seem like its coming from the wheel or under the rear?

                          Comment

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