CV axle play causing 4WD groan?

I remember trying to shake it weeks ago and didn’t feel any movement but I’m thinking maybe I grabbed too high. The play seems to be at the flange though past the u joints so it made me think that the problem might be within the diff. Is there a definite u joint test? Kind of seem like the drive shaft itself wasnt wobbling within the joints but was wobbling the mating point on the diff.

 

Could the groan possibly be a wheel bearing?

 

When I put the tire on last I gave it some shakes and it didn’t have any play but I’ll do a more in depth test when I get home.

 

Normally to check u-joints, I'll grab on opposite sides of the joint and pull in every direction.

I might be mistaking where you're holding in that last video, I swear I see the trans pan there. Which flange are you talking about? It looks like you're grabbing the 4wd shaft to me.

I'm only asking because if it's more towards the rear and maybe it's more of a howl than a groan, it could be further down the line? Start at 26 if it doesn't auto-jump.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=_6dX0d1zGwI#t=0m26s​

 

Yeah that is the front shaft. Sorry I meant to say it seemed like the shaft wasn’t moving from the u joints having play but the whole shaft itself was loose on where it meets the front diff. It can be moved in every direction and has some clanking. I’m most likely taking it to the shop tomorrow morning so they can better diagnose this. I’ll get a better video tonight as I have more time on my hands. Noise is all from the front end as far as I can tell.

 

Before I replaced my pinion bearing, I had a fairly loud speed related whine. With the right rear wheel bearing it was more of a dull drone at 40-80 mph

 

I mean, typically any driveline output where a shaft is involved, there's going to be a bearing somewhere. Whether it's the needle bearings for the CV axle output, where the diff meets the front driveshaft, where the rear driveshaft meets the diff, etc.

The front diff is no different. Where that front driveshaft inserts into the diff, there's basically a pinion bearing, I'm circling it here in blue, the part number for our '05-'06 is 90366-30078 and Koyo is the OEM manuf'er for that specific bearing. I've never checked for play on mine.

But I don't think I've ever seen anyone on here say that bearing went bad on them. However, I have seen people bitch about the seal going bad (41101D in the pic). Let me ask you a stupid question: Did you check the front diff fluid at the drain plug to make sure it's topped off? Just wondering if you may've tossed the seal and have been running it low? Not sure if that's possible with front diff. Diffs and transmissions aren't my cup of tea, I can't deep dive on that shit.

​

 

Gotcha yeah no leaks at the seal and I noticed not many forum posts on play at this spot either! As you said u joints seem to be the common factor for play in the shaft but they seem to be OK when trying to get some wiggle out of them by hand. I should have added that I topped off the diff after installing the ECGS. I checked for wheel bearing play but there wasnt any. I can hear a rotational kind of metal on metal noise though that could be part of what I’m hearing when turning the wheel by hand. Definitely coming from the hub. I added a video of the front shaft/diff flange to better illustrate the play not being within the shaft but where it meets the diff. There was no play on the transfer case side of the shaft all movement is forward. Threw in a video of the hub noise while turning the tire by hand. Perhaps the shaft/diff issue is my 4WD noise and my 2WD groan is an issue in the hub but the 4WD noise is so loud it drowns out the hub noise…

https://youtube.com/shorts/r2JVvZsaQ6I?si=VcKfb0v_2UUPAmni

https://youtube.com/shorts/L_ecYm80SYI?si=nydWOPk4ffGzjLvF

 

Can't hear that video well enough to discern but consider will hear drag from brake pads on rotor. If pull the pads can spin wheel faster and eliminate brake pad noise then use stethoscope with contact at knuckle, diff, transfer, center bearing, rear diff and rear wheel bearings, etc to pinpoint more. Another thing to consider is rear wheel bearing noise can sound deceivingly nondirectional in the cab. Tracing sound on my truck that seemed like front driver side wheel bearing or the typical needle bearing issue because that's where sitting when hearing it while driving...actually traced to right rear wheel bearing noise.

 

Differential/driveline shop verified the noise and play is coming from the front diff pinion. Going to open it up to see what exactly what happened. Looks like they’re gonna rebuild it for me over the weekend though.

 

Tell 'em to stick with Koyo if possible, or Dana/Spicer. I'l lbe curious to hear what happened, since I really don't recall anyone having this happen before. Now I'm curious.

 

Gotcha! I’ll update once we figure out what exactly happened

 

Do you have a diff drop? But is the rear pinion bearing even spinning unless using 4wd?

 

At first I thought the metal on metal rotational noise in 2WD was being amplified and made worse in 4WD. But they ended up being separate issues. After doing a handful of tests after changing diff fluid, ECGS, axle, oil seal, diff drop and lubing drive shafts I did end up recreating the 2WD noise which was just brake drag as Toyotadude pointed out. The front drive shaft was fine according to the shop and he showed me the pinion bearing today. The inner diameter of the pinion bearing was worn bad and showed some markings starting to be engraved/metal shredded on inner race where the ring gear sat. All noise is gone today in 2WD and 4WD for the first time in months. Thanks everyone!

 

At least now you know what "expensive" sounds like