Mustang Cobra V8-281 4.6L DOHC VIN V MFI (1997)
Axle Bearing: Testing and Inspection
Failure
Because of the severe loads, rear wheel bearings may require replacement at high mileage. If a rear wheel bearing fails at low mileage, the cause is often
overloading.
Axle shaft noise is similar to gear noise and differential pinion bearing whine. However, axle shaft bearing noise will normally distinguish itself from
gear noise by occurring in all driving modes (drive, coast and float) and will persist with transmission in NEUTRAL while vehicle is moving at problem
speed. During a road test, the suspected axle shaft bearing can be isolated by making a slight direction change, and listening for a corresponding change
in noise. If the vehicle makes this noise, remove suspect axle shafts, replace rear wheel bearings and install a new set of axle shafts. Re-evaluate vehicle
for noise before removing any internal components.
Rear wheel bearings are pressed into the axle housing tubes, making them more difficult to check. However, the axle shaft is the inner race for the
bearing. If the bearing is damaged, the roller surface on the axle shaft may also be damaged. The rollers run on approximately the center of the polished
surface.