Chattering D44?

LynchMob said:

1999 I6 AW4 231 D30/D44 (open) RE 5.5 SYE

I've searched this and think its probably the d44 pinion seal/bearing??

Goodies were just swapped over to this 1999 from my old 1990. The D44 was fine under the 1990. After putting it in the 1999 I get a chattering from the rear under acceleration audible only at slow speed.

New brakes, ujoints, drive shaft, and I just changed the gear oil (no metal or damage). I pulled the rear shaft and the noise dissapears; the yoke seems solid, i.e., flush, but does have a little play when I turn it (is this normal, just the splines?) and it isn't smooth play if that makes sense. After a 20min hwy drive the housing near the pinion is warm not hot (comfortable to the hand).

Could this be anything but the pinion? I plan to rebuild this axle within the next 6mos so can I let it ride if it is?

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langer1 said:

Can you move the pinion in or out at all? Your description does sound more like a drive shaft problem though.Are the yokes the same?

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LynchMob said:

Nope, no movement in or out.

I doubt it's the shaft; I had it shortened and balanced before install; it's a custom set up using a front double cardan, completely rebuilt...gave me no problems on the 1990.

Is that the only test for the pinion bearing/seal?

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langer1 said:

Everything you are telling me is normal, no leaks, no movement, and a little backlash.
Could one of the u-joint caps have been only part way? I have seen that happen.

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Wayne Sihler said:

Check the angles between the drive shaft and the pinion.You may need to rotate the housing wilh axle degree shims.
Wayne

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