Rear end squealing/whining

1955FordF350

1955FordF350

Junior Member
Hello Folks, I have a 1955 f-350 with a 239CI Y-block V8 and 4 speed silent synchro transmission. The rear end is a simple differential and does not have any gears unlike the heavier trucks such as the f-750 etc. My issue is a strange squealing/whining noise that occurs when coasting from about 40-10mph. It doesn't seem to matter if I depress the clutch or brakes, the pitch of the sound remains the same no matter what speed and according to my friend sounds like its coming from the left rear axle. I'm not going to rule out a carrier bearing or any other bearings as his perspective may have thrown the true location of the sound off. It sounds like nails on a chalk board and is very loud and annoying any help would be appreciated.
 
Maybe consider putting the rear axle on stands and try to source the noise with the engine running and in low gear.

With the rear turning, you should be able to source the noise. For axle bearings, pull one hand brake cable in turn to isolate axle bearings.

It's a DANA INTEGRAL and is a PIA to work on while on your back.

Is the pinion seal dry?
 
I think they still had the Timken Detroit B-150 axle for 1-ton applications. The A-150 was a 3/4-ton application.

If the pinion bearings are worn, the gear set will make noise if there is excessive movement of the pinion. It should have no play or shake at all.
 
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I'm scared afraid of putting a vehicle in gear while on stands so I can't do that test but I did as you said while driving it and pulling on the brake didn't seem to make a difference. What I have noticed is that the sound seems to intensify when the clutch is applied and is very intermittent. It happens only after the truck has been rolling around and running for awhile too. Upon initial start up and miles it seems quiet. It's super random when it occurs and I can't do any particular thing to make it happen or not happen. It's completely random but seems to happen more often when coasting with the clutch pedal depressed.
 
I did as you said while driving it and pulling on the brake didn't seem to make a difference.
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That test is done with the vehicle raised. It will isolate any wheel bearing(s) noise.

Are you sure the noise is not coming from the clutch/trans?
 
Are you absolutely sure the throwout bearing isn't touching the pressure plate fingers and running all the time?
 
I'm not sure. Since I'm the only guy who knows how to drive manual I can only hear it inside the cab. It could very well be. I've never had the transmission apart but how intensive is the process to fix that If that's the case? What could cause this to happen in the first place? Plus, this noise is entirely dependent on the truck moving. It does not make any noise if I am not moving down the road, although it seems somewhat tied to the clutch I don't think it is the clutch bearing. Is there some kind of freewheeling unit or something in the transmission or rear end that only spins when no engine power is applied?
 
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The noise(s) has to be isolated and diagnosed properly.

Try to avoid the loaded PARTS CANNON APPROACH.

There will be DIAGNOSTIC ROUTINES in your WORKSHOP MANUAL.
 
1955FordF350 said:
I'm not sure. Since I'm the only guy who knows how to drive manual I can only hear it inside the cab. It could very well be. I've never had the transmission apart but how intensive is the process to fix that If that's the case? What could cause this to happen in the first place? Plus, this noise is entirely dependent on the truck moving. It does not make any noise if I am not moving down the road, although it seems somewhat tied to the clutch I don't think it is the clutch bearing. Is there some kind of freewheeling unit or something in the transmission or rear end that only spins when no engine power is applied?
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If it never makes the noise unless the truck is moving it's not the clutch throwout bearing.

If you can't run the truck on stands with wheels spinning I don't know how you'll isolate the noise unless you get lucky and feel play somewhere or see signs of rubbing.
 
Throw out bearings usually only make noise when you push the clutch pedal otherwise it isn't turning long. The pilot bearing or bushing in the flywheel only turns when the clutch is disengaged. With the transmission in neutral and engine running clutch engaged, only the input shaft and the counter shaft are turning in the transmission and this affects a number of transmission internal bearings. If no noise there then it is in the final drive somewhere.

U-joints and carrier bearings only make noise when the truck is in motion. U-joints generally just get a lot of slack when they are worn out which is noticeable when starting out after a stop. They can make a noise as the load is applied but you can crawl under and feel that as too much slack in the driveshaft. The carrier bearing will make noise anytime he truck is in motion. This is same for axle bearings as well. Check for a hot axle after driving by touching the hubs and carrier by touching it. An infrared heat gun is advisable on stuff like this for a quick check & no burned fingers.

Something has some slack in it but just enough to make a noise intermittently. Coasting is one thing but if you hit the brakes and notice it then that will go in a different direction for troubleshooting. Rear axles can make noise if something is worn out or broken but it won't be intermittent.
 
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