Hi guys, I think I know the answer to this problem, I just want someone to say, "Yeah, that is probably it." I finally got the Maverick together yesterday and took her out for a spin. There was a grinding noise coming from the rear axle. It got louder and louder as the trip progressed. This car has 45,000 miles and has sat for a long time. It sounds like sand in the rear axle. The sound I'm hearing is the axle bearings, isn't it? On the Maverick/Comets there is a center "chunk" without a rear inspection plate, so, there are no "C" clips that will need to be removed from the differential, like on the Granada/Monarch to facilitate axle removal. I can just unbolt the flanges on the backing plates and pull the axles out, press the bearings off and install new ones. Do ya think the bearings are bad because the car sat so long? Gee, this is getting to be FUN!
Hows the rear brakes? Hopefully it just a ton of rust in the drum brakes. Yes to inspect the axle bearings you unbolt the flange and pull the axles. If you dont have a slide hammer to get them out you can try putting the drum on backwards with the nuts on a few threads and use the drum as a little slide hammer. Works pretty good if your strong/heavy.Lol.
If it has sat for a while I would say the parking brake is stuck on. Like stated above I would check the rear brakes and parking brake cables.
I had to do that on the 1974 I had when I was 16. I thought I remembered, but, that was 30 years ago. I just wanted to make sure. I have a sneaky feeling that it is just more than rust on the brakes because the sound changes with acceleration/braking. It sounds just like that '74 I had. The brakes look good and appear to recently have been replaced, but, the car has sat for sometime. Also, brake application doesn't really produce anymore noise. Craig.
The cables and everything else is loose and the drums turn free when I have the car on a jack. I have this feeling in the pit of my stomach.....Craig.
I pulled the driveshaft and they are the originals. They feel good, not notchy or rough. I've got both axles out and the bearings feel rough. Dad located some bearings and seals and has taken both axles down to the shop and is pressing new bearings on as we speak. Craig.
New bearings certainly won't hurt things. Great time to change the gear lube and check out the brakes. One more thing to check off the list.
I'm on it. I wasn't going to change the gear oil, but, dad suggested it. I don't hear any whining (from the car, that is) so, I had him pick up gear oil and while I am at it I think I am going to change the yolk seal. He has got the new bearings pressed on the axles. Time to go to work. Craig.
He used to work at the local Ford dealer back in the day. Truth be told HE actually diagnosed the problem with the bearings. We have it back together and that rear end quieted down nicely. Thanks again, guys. Craig.
