Roaring noise, got some play in this part - what is it?

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My '02 Mazda B4000 4x4 has started making a loud rumbling, roaring noise in the last month or two. It sounds a little like having mud tires, and gets louder at certain speed ranges like around 25-35 and 65-75.

Jacked the back end up and found no play in the rear wheel bearings. The rear U joint is tight.

Found some play in this part of the rear drive shaft, but I don't know what it is called. Is this a easily serviceable part?

 

[adsm08]

That is the slip yoke and it is not able to cause the noise you describe. A lot of play front to back and a little play up and down are perfectly normal.

Front wheel bearings or chopped tires are far more likely to be at fault.

 

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That is the slip yoke and it is no table to cause the noise you describe. A lot of play front to back and a little play up and down are perfectly normal.

Front wheel bearings or chopped tires are far more likely to be at fault.

Really appreciate the reply. The Ford shop claimed to check the front wheel bearings 2 weeks ago, they said both spun free and had no play.

Not sure of what chopped tires mean, will google and see what I can find.

 

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My right rear tire looks like "B", the rest seem to be worn somewhat normally. I'm way overdue for a new set, but can't invest till the end of the month.

 

[adsm08]

D is the pattern most like what would cause your noise.

I still favor a bad wheel bearing as Rangers are not known for wearing tires to the point of noise. Jack the front end up and see if you can wobble the tires.

 

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Have the back left wheel off since I feel some light knocking when moving the tire around. With the tire off, I see that there is about 1mm of play in the shaft as I push and pull it. Almost feels like there is a very tiny amount of side to side play.

Is it OK for the rear half shaft to have that much play as I push and pull (not side to side)?

The right rear side seems solid - no movement pushing/pulling or side to side. Going to let the rear end down and double check the front wheels.

 

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Double checked both front wheels - they are both tight and spin freely without any noise or binding.

 

[adsm08]

The axle shafts need to have some play in and out. That is fine. If you take the cover off the rear and remove the cross pin they will push in about 3/4" so the retaining clips can be removed.

"Tire Chop" is when the treads get a sawtoothed pattern to them. It is most easily detected by running your hand back and forth over the tread. One way will feel smooth, the other will feel sharp and rough.

I still favor a wheel bearing. They can be noisy without having play in them. Go get yourself 4 jack stands, an automotive stethoscope, and a friend.

Get all 4 wheels off the ground and firmly supported then have your buddy throw it in 4x4 and listen to the bearings in the front. Place the tip of the stethoscope right next to the axle shafts on the inside of the steering knuckle. One of them should sound very fluid and smooth with a light buzz or whirr type noise. The other will sound like your noise, only an octave or two off.

 

[shane96ranger]

Sometimes they will only make noise while they are on the ground and supporting the weight of the vehicle. Like mentioned by adsm, they can spin freely by hand and make no noise or binding - yet still be your issue.

Does the noise change when you turn?

 

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Ok I'll have to get the stethescope from somewhere. And another set of jacks. Or maybe pay the little garage down the street to put it on the lift for a sec.

I saw where the front wheel bearing assembly is about $180 per wheel, I think the 2wd bearings were a LOT less (I had a 2wd B3000 before and replaced a wheel bearing).

Here's the noise from the left rear side:

 

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Does the noise change when you turn?

Kind of? I need to take it out and do some loops on the highway on/off ramps. It seems like it does get a little quieter now that you mention. I'll confirm.

 

[adsm08]

I would worry nothing about the noises and play in that video. Like I said, the shaft has to have the ability to move in and out a bit. The movement you hear going up and down is the axle moving in it's tube. It's normal. When the rear wheel bearings go out you know about it pretty quick because it makes an awful noise and vibrates even at 2 to 3 MPH and pisses fluid everywhere.

 

[shane96ranger]

The play in the rear end is normal.

 

[shane96ranger]

Also, if you go to www.rockauto.com they have the Raybestos Professional Grade bearings for 100 a piece. They are now a sponsor of TRS, and if you go to the sponsor page they've got a 5% discount code.

Stay way away from the Ebay units. You can buy two for under 100 dollars last time I searched, but you will be buying them again in a year. Remember China=Garbage.

 

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China=Garbage.

Don't need to say that twice.