1962 Knocking sound coming from rear axle area

[Dan Monroy]

I heard a knocking sound coming from under the car, my friend things that it might be the differential, the sound is coming more from the rear right tire area, I removed the wheel and everything seems to be good, I also lifted the rear of the car and put it in drive and it didn’t make the noise ! Any idea what this noise could be ? The car drives fine is just that annoying sound like if I had a flat tire or something, any help would be appreciated thank you

 

[biddle]

Please include the model year of the car in the subject on figure posts. I have added this for you.

 

[74 Harley]

First thing to check is the universal joints. The one at the rear is possibly going bad. If that checks out then look into the wheel bearing.
(Axle shaft removal required for that one)

 

[andrew latimer]

I had a knock in my 66. Rear axel. Slight leak at the passenger side. Pulled the axel to replace the seal. The axel had a groove worn into it. We polished it out and replaced the seal. Then checked the diff. The diff was almost dry. I’d inspect there if the u joint isn’t loose.

 

[Frosty]

Yep I would go with the 2 other guys, check your rear Universal Joint, and if I were you I would do it sooner rather than later. The UJ breaking at any speed is not good as the prop shaft will almost certainly come out and cause a lot more damage.

 

[Dan Monroy]

First thing to check is the universal joints. The one at the rear is possibly going bad. If that checks out then look into the wheel bearing.
(Axle shaft removal required for that one)

I lifted the car and try to shake the tire up down and left and right and it seem

I had a knock in my 66. Rear axel. Slight leak at the passenger side. Pulled the axel to replace the seal. The axel had a groove worn into it. We polished it out and replaced the seal. Then checked the diff. The diff was almost dry. I’d inspect there if the u joint isn’t loose.

i did put oil in my differential it was almost dry as well so I will the axle the thanks

 

[Douglemmo]

If it makes the sound while making a turn , check the wheel bearing on the outside wheel. Especially if it makes the sound turning more one way than the other.

 

[Critterpainer]

To check wheel bearings, place the rear axle on jack stands with the tires at least 8" off the ground, chock the front wheels and place the car in drive with the engine idling and parking brake off. If one tire is spinning slower than the other, it could be a tighter brake or or a bad wheel bearing. I use a 3' 2x2 to rest on the floor and lift into the tread of the tire to slow the tire. The other tire will speed up. If the noise increases with tire speed it is usually the outer wheel bearing. Repeat test on other side.