Side gear shaft driveaxle issue

zoot23 · 09-19-2009, 03:45 AM

So I've been hearing a tapping sound from the rear of my 85 mr2 for the past few thousand miles. Found out axle bearing lock nut on passenger side was loose. I tightened it, and now the sound is ten times worse. A constant clunking noise upon acceleration, and in turns. I serviced the driveaxles when I replaced engine 10,000 miles ago so I doubt they're culprit. If it is the side gear shaft itself what does it entail to fix?

Jackstand Queen · 09-19-2009, 12:12 PM

A clicking, or tapping noise that increases, or begins during a turn: means that it is highly probable that your CV joint in one or both of your half axles is toast.

Remanufactured, or new half axle is the cure. Its about a half day's hard work to stuff a replacement in. Don't forget to drain the oil from the tranny before pulling out the axle.

Now for the Diagnosis you didn't want to hear . . . . if the noise does not dramatically increase during turns. If it stays the same going straight down the road, or turning. . . . . you probably has a spun rod bearing. A condition which can lead to hole in side of block-itus. If left untreated.

espguitarist33 · 09-19-2009, 01:54 PM

or 2 gah....well if you tightend the nut and it got worse...sounds axle related..BUT at the same time the fact that you are driving the car means the bearing would get worse

does it happen when the car is idled or revved lightly in neutral?

mr2tim · 09-19-2009, 02:20 PM

You might eliminate the possiblity of a bad axle bearing, getting beat up when the axle thrashed about, by getting tire off the ground and rocking the tire, any slop at all is a bad bearing or the race is damaged.

You'll need to loosen the entire right wheel axle carrier, strut and both arms to get enuff movement to get the long pass axle out of the carrier bearing area, then pull out of tranny. The SC axles snap in, and you may have to lever them out with a long bar. Be carefull to use a stout area of the transmission housing. Plug hole with rag to keep dirt out when axle is not installed!!

Follow Jackstand's fluid advice!!
drain it, filter it and reuse if it's new, if not pitch the fluid. This tranny fluid in the SC e-51 is more fluid (not the same as NA) due to a oil pump inside the tranny. (!!and there is ALOT!!4.4 us Quarts) There's "fill to" level/inspection hole on the side of the tranny, don't overfill !
Use of funnel w rubber tube may help to fill that tranny hole on the side.

Not Rocket Scientist stuff but be extra sure to use SECURE jackstands these are major components and you will stress the car with some movements during dis-assembly.

Learn the joys of self-repair!!

When your done you will have saved 100's of $

09-19-2009, 03:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
zoot23 No Skills Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Side gear shaft driveaxle issue So I've been hearing a tapping sound from the rear of my 85 mr2 for the past few thousand miles. Found out axle bearing lock nut on passenger side was loose. I tightened it, and now the sound is ten times worse. A constant clunking noise upon acceleration, and in turns. I serviced the driveaxles when I replaced engine 10,000 miles ago so I doubt they're culprit. If it is the side gear shaft itself what does it entail to fix?

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09-19-2009, 12:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jackstand Queen Cage Fighter Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 840 Thanks: 75 Thanked 64 Times in 60 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	A clicking, or tapping noise that increases, or begins during a turn: means that it is highly probable that your CV joint in one or both of your half axles is toast. Remanufactured, or new half axle is the cure. Its about a half day's hard work to stuff a replacement in. Don't forget to drain the oil from the tranny before pulling out the axle. Now for the Diagnosis you didn't want to hear . . . . if the noise does not dramatically increase during turns. If it stays the same going straight down the road, or turning. . . . . you probably has a spun rod bearing. A condition which can lead to hole in side of block-itus. If left untreated.

09-19-2009, 01:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
espguitarist33 Cage Fighter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: west chester PA Posts: 528 Thanks: 4 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	or 2 gah....well if you tightend the nut and it got worse...sounds axle related..BUT at the same time the fact that you are driving the car means the bearing would get worse does it happen when the car is idled or revved lightly in neutral?

09-19-2009, 02:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
mr2tim SUPERcharZed ToyZ RacZer Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,789 Thanks: 8 Thanked 118 Times in 111 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (6/100% )	You might eliminate the possiblity of a bad axle bearing, getting beat up when the axle thrashed about, by getting tire off the ground and rocking the tire, any slop at all is a bad bearing or the race is damaged. You'll need to loosen the entire right wheel axle carrier, strut and both arms to get enuff movement to get the long pass axle out of the carrier bearing area, then pull out of tranny. The SC axles snap in, and you may have to lever them out with a long bar. Be carefull to use a stout area of the transmission housing. Plug hole with rag to keep dirt out when axle is not installed!! Follow Jackstand's fluid advice!! drain it, filter it and reuse if it's new, if not pitch the fluid. This tranny fluid in the SC e-51 is more fluid (not the same as NA) due to a oil pump inside the tranny. (!!and there is ALOT!!4.4 us Quarts) There's "fill to" level/inspection hole on the side of the tranny, don't overfill ! Use of funnel w rubber tube may help to fill that tranny hole on the side. Not Rocket Scientist stuff but be extra sure to use SECURE jackstands these are major components and you will stress the car with some movements during dis-assembly. Learn the joys of self-repair!! When your done you will have saved 100's of $