1991 MITSUBISHI MONTERO differential

In certain conditions, the pitch of the exhaust gases may
sound like gear whine. At other times, it may be mistaken for a wheel
bearing rumble.
Tires, especially radial and snow, can have a high-pitched
tread whine or roar, similar to gear noise. Also, some non-standard
tires with an unusual tread construction may emit a roar or whine.
Defective CV/universal joints may cause clicking noises or
excessive driveline play that can be improperly diagnosed as drive
axle problems.
Trim and moldings also can cause a whistling or whining
noise. Ensure none of these components are causing the noise before
disassembling the drive axle.
Gear Noise
A "howling" or "whining" noise from the ring and pinion gear
can be caused by an improper gear pattern, gear damage, or improper
bearing preload. It can occur at various speeds and driving
conditions, or it can be continuous.
Before disassembling axle to diagnose and correct gear
noise, make sure that tires, exhaust, and vehicle trim have been
checked as possible causes.
Chuckle
This is a particular rattling noise that sounds like a stick
against the spokes of a spinning bicycle wheel. It occurs while
decelerating from 40 MPH and usually can be heard until vehicle comes
to a complete stop. The frequency varies with the speed of the
vehicle.
A chuckle that occurs on the driving phase is usually caused
by excessive clearance due to differential gear wear, or by a damaged
tooth on the coast side of the pinion or ring gear. Even a very small
tooth nick or a ridge on the edge of a gear tooth is enough the cause
the noise.
This condition can be corrected simply by cleaning the gear
tooth nick or ridge with a small grinding wheel. If either gear is
damaged or scored badly, the gear set must be replaced. If metal has
broken loose, the carrier and housing must be cleaned to remove
particles that could cause damage.
Knock
This is very similar to a chuckle, though it may be louder,
and occur on acceleration or deceleration. Knock can be caused by a
gear tooth that is damaged on the drive side of the ring and pinion
gears. Ring gear bolts that are hitting the carrier casting can cause
knock. Knock can also be due to excessive end play in the axle shafts.
Clunk
Clunk is a metallic noise heard when an automatic
transmission is engaged in Reverse or Drive, or when throttle is
applied or released. It is caused by backlash somewhere in the
driveline, but not necessarily in the axle. To determine whether
driveline clunk is caused by the axle, check the total axle backlash
as follows:
1) Raise vehicle on a frame or twinpost hoist so that drive
wheels are free. Clamp a bar between axle companion flange and a part
of the frame or body so that flange cannot move.
2) On conventional drive axles, lock the left wheel to keep
it from turning. On all models, turn the right wheel slowly until it
is felt to be in Drive condition. Hold a chalk marker on side of tire
about 12" from center of wheel. Turn wheel in the opposite direction
until it is again felt to be in Drive condition.
3) Measure the length of the chalk mark, which is the total

axle backlash. If backlash is one inch or less, drive axle is not the
source of clunk noise.
Bearing Whine
Bearing whine is a high-pitched sound similar to a whistle.
It is usually caused by malfunctioning pinion bearings. Pinion
bearings operate at drive shaft speed. Roller wheel bearings may whine
in a similar manner if they run completely dry of lubricant. Bearing
noise will occur at all driving speeds. This distinguishes it from
gear whine, which usually comes and goes as speed changes.
Bearing Rumble
Bearing rumble sounds like marbles being tumbled. It is
usually caused by a malfunctioning wheel bearing. The lower pitch is
because the wheel bearing turns at only about 1/3 of drive shaft
speed.
Chatter On Turns
This is a condition where the entire front or rear of vehicle
vibrates when vehicle is moving. The vibration is plainly felt as well
as heard. Extra differential thrust washers installed during axle
repair can cause a condition of partial lock-up that creates this
chatter.
Axle Shaft Noise
Axle shaft noise is similar to gear noise and pinion bearing
whine. Axle shaft bearing noise will normally distinguish itself from
gear noise by occurring in all driving modes (Drive, cruise, coast and
float), and will persist with transmission in Neutral while vehicle is
moving at problem speed.
If vehicle displays this noise condition, remove suspect
axle shafts, replace wheel seals and install a new set of bearings.
Re-evaluate vehicle for noise before removing any internal components.
Vibration
Vibration is a high-frequency trembling, shaking or grinding
condition (felt or heard) that may be constant or variable in level
and can occur during the total operating speed range of the vehicle.
The types of vibrations that can be felt in the vehicle can
be divided into 3 main groups:
* Vibrations of various unbalanced rotating parts of the
vehicle.
* Resonance vibrations of the body and frame structures caused
by rotating of unbalanced parts.
* Tip-in moans of resonance vibrations from stressed engine or
exhaust system mounts or driveline flexing modes.
DRIVE AXLE - RWD TROUBLE SHOOTING
NOTE: This is GENERAL information. This article is not intended
to be specific to any unique situation or individual vehicle
configuration. The purpose of this Trouble Shooting
information is to provide a list of common causes to
problem symptoms. For model-specific Trouble Shooting,
refer to SUBJECT, DIAGNOSTIC, or TESTING articles available
in the section(s) you are accessing. For definitions
of listed noises or sounds, see DRIVE AXLE - NOISE DIAGNOSIS
under POWERTRAIN.
DRIVE AXLE (RWD) TROUBLE SHOOTING









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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION

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Knocking or Clunking
Differential Side Gear
Clearance Check Clearance
Worn Pinion Shaft Replace Pinion Shaft
Axle Shaft End Play Check End Play
Missing Gear Teeth Check Differential/
Replace Gear
Wrong Axle Backlash Check Backlash
Misaligned Driveline Realign Driveline









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Clinking During Engagement
Side Gear Clearance Check Clearance
Ring and Pinion Backlash Check Backlash
Worn/Loose Pinion Shaft Replace Shaft/Bearing
Bad "U" Joint Replace "U" Joint
Sticking Slip Yoke Lube Slip Yoke
Broken Rear Axle Mount Replace Mount
Loose Drive Shaft Flange Check Flange









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Click/Chatter On Turns
Differential Side Gear
Clearance Check Clearance
Wrong Turn On Plates (1) Replace Clutch Plates
Wrong Differential
Lubricant ( 1) Change Lubricant









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Knock Or Click Flat Spot on Rear
Wheel Bearing Replace Wheel Bearing









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Low Vibration At All Speeds
Faulty Wheel Bearing Replace Wheel Bearing
Faulty "U" Joint Replace "U" Joint
Faulty Drive Shaft Balance Drive Shaft
Faulty Companion Flange Replace Flange
Faulty Slip Yoke Flange Replace Flange
( 1) - Limited slip differential only.









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FWD AXLE SHAFTS & CV JOINTS TROUBLE SHOOTING
NOTE: This is GENERAL information. This article is not intended
to be specific to any unique situation or individual vehicle
configuration. The purpose of this Trouble Shooting
information is to provide a list of common causes to