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scary metal popping sound from rear axle area


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vieques
New User

May 23, 2009, 6:00 AM

Post #1 of 3 (3533 views)
scary metal popping sound from rear axle area Sign In

1997
Mazda
B3000
3.0; manual transmission
150K+

it began as a slight metalic pop when I would make a left turn; the sound seemed to be located near the rear driver side axle area. In my journey to town and back home the popping became progressively worse, especially when slowly driving uphill and to the left, but by the end of the drive, even a slight turn or shift would result in some popping. By the time I had returned home, the popping was inhibiting my pickup from advancing forward, a violent jerking back and forth action until I was through the turn, driving forward, and fully engaged in 1st gear. The last turn was nothing short of terrifying. I felt lucky to be back home without something in the backend being destroyed or dragging.

I've looked under the pickup and see nothing cracked or broken, but it's not everyday that I inspect the rear axle.

I live on a small island with less than 10K people and probably less than 10 mechanics. Many rough roads, plenty of wear and tear on suspension system. A functioning vehicle is worth more than gold here.

-ARC drive axle?
-CVU/CV axle?
-rear differential?

I am a novice that needs help. Please let me know if there is any other info that I could include that would help troubleshoot.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Ryan


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

May 23, 2009, 8:30 AM

Post #2 of 3 (3525 views)
Re: scary metal popping sound from rear axle area Sign In

Ryan; Your description sounds like an internal differential problem. At first, I was thinking u-joint or axle bearing, but as I read further.......
If it is an internal diff. problem, this can be dangerous if it locks up on you at even low speeds. I must say, though, I don't think I've ever run into a Mazda diff. problem before. Have it inspected right away. You may even want to have it towed, just to be safe.
Loren
SW Washington


vieques
New User

May 24, 2009, 8:43 AM

Post #3 of 3 (3511 views)
Re: scary metal popping sound from rear axle area Sign In

Many thanks Loren. I had contemplated getting towed to the shop and will definitely do so now. I'll will let you know how all turns out for future reference, especially if this is uncommon for mazda pickups.

best regards,
ryan






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