Rear end noise, Drive shaft removal.

I'd like to share my experience with drive shaft failure,
Since I bought my 5 spd 89 Wagon RT4 over a year ago, we noticed a slight shuddering vibration coming from the rear at speeds above 45mph. I mistakenly bought new rims and tires trying to fix it. I just lived with it for 8 mos. until it started getting worse. Apparently the problem was drive shaft imbalance, and eventually it threw itself out of the diff in a horrific metal-crunching breakdown.
I didn't find much guidance for disabling the 4wd, so I just removed the rear half of the drive shaft and left everything else intact. In driving for the last ~6 mos, I haven't had any problems in driveability, mileage etc. even though I am just a 4wd poser now.
Hope this helps anyone else who notices that "mystery noise" in the rear. Peace Out! :? :( :)

Comments

  • A common problem for rear end noise/vibration is broken and worn out rear diff mounts. My driver's side rear diff mount bolting location had actually rusted through leaving nothing for the diff mount to bolt to. I posted about this issue and my solution for it a while back in this sub forum.

    There also a few threads on how to switch off your rt4wd here as well. The lications are different depending on whether you have an auto or manual tranny.
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