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Rumbling from the back

Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2024 2:52 pm
by Davidmbe
1952 morris minor convertible with a 1098 engine. When I get to 40mph there’s a rumbling sound coming from the rear can anyone help. I don’t know if it’s the prop shaft or the back axle it’s had an updated diff on it (good for cruising up the motorway)
David

Re: Rumbling from the back

Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2024 8:09 pm
by oliver90owner
A bit more detail might be helpful.

You are sure it is one of those two, not body parts?

Accelerating, decelerating. cruising?

Only at 40mph?

When was this apparent? Recently or for a longer period?

Prop shaft only has universal joints and flange bolts that could be the culprit.

Diffs usually whine if worn, or not set up correctly. It’s not wheel bearings?

If differential gears, the back-lash when turning one wheel, with the other on the ground might provide a clue?

Re: Rumbling from the back

Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2024 7:30 am
by rocco
Most rumbles I've ever had tend to emanate from wheel bearings. If it's a sudden onset and they are a good few years old then perhaps they dry/worn? Raising the rear off the ground will allow you to check them.

Re: Rumbling from the back

Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2024 4:16 pm
by Davidmbe
The rumbling from the back of the car starts from about 40mph then the faster I go it gets progressively worse
I will check the wheel bearings
David

Re: Rumbling from the back

Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2024 6:59 pm
by Davidmbe
Wheel bearings okay 👌
Bring me back to square one
David

Re: Rumbling from the back

Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2024 7:43 pm
by les
I was surprised to find tyres to be the cause of a sound like worn wheel bearings, on a car I once had. If you’ve got a spare, maybe worth trying one rear at a time.

Re: Rumbling from the back

Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2025 12:57 pm
by Davidmbe
No les it’s not tyres nor wheel bearings.

Re: Rumbling from the back

Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2025 8:57 am
by rocco
The only other things turning at the rear are the differential gears and the propshaft. How about the brake shoes, are they binding? Handbrake releasing fully? I'm not sure if the UJs would cause a rumble or just a knock when taking up drive?

If diff oil hasn't been changed for a while, opening the drain bolt (open the fill bolt first of course) will tell you if you at least have any in there. Maybe someone else has more/better suggestions for you to try?

Re: Rumbling from the back

Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2025 11:15 am
by Bill_qaz
Could it be the propshaft out of balance, vibration and noise are one and the same.
You could try putting a jubilee clip or two on the prop, this will change the balance, even unbalance it, to see if the balance effect is what you are hearing.
Then remove them, if it effects the noise then have the prop shaft balanced.