Weird Noise

[RedMerc04]

I have a weird noise that seems to be coming from the back of the car when I am turning around in my driveway or maneuvering in a tight space such as a parking lot. It sounds almost as if my parking brake is sticking. When this happens it almost seems as if the car is sort of being held back but as soon as i straighten it out the noise goes away. I checked the Rear end and no fluid is leaking from the differential (by the way I just changed the differential fluid to Redline 75W 90 Synthetic... But i doubt that it has anything to do with it) and I also checked the power steering fluid which was at a perfect level. Has this happened to anyone before? If so, how do you correct it?

[RedMerc04]

Please any help would be appreciated... It sounds more like the parking brake is sticking but once the car is straightened out it is fine... Its really driving me nuts.
Thanks In Advance
Matt

[RoyLPita]

I had a loose E-brake cable that caused the left actuator to beat against the back of the wheel studs. Maybe that is the cause. Keep us posted.

[Rider90]

Matt, since you did change the oil in the rear end and the sound is only present around turns I can only guess that it has to do with the clutches in the traction-loc. Did you use the Motorcraft additive with your rear end oil change? I had GM Additive in my Marauder's rear end and it made a hell of a lot of noise - 2 bottles at that. drained the oil and used the Motorcraft additive and all is well.

I've heard no complaints of unusual noises with the Redline oil, but let us know about your limited-slip additive.

[Jolly Roger]

I seem to recall an article some years ago about one of the Red Line synthetic differential fluids having a weird effect on clutch type rear ends. The story was in MM&FF when I was into reading it big time because of my Capri.
It seems that either the 75/90 or the 75/90 NS would make the rear clunk when going around corners as if the rear had a Detroit Locker in it.
It's supposed to be harmless other than the annoying sound and feel.
Anyone thats had a 70's Ford muscle car with a Detroit Locker knows what i'm talking about.
Had the same sound and feel when I had the Auburn in my Capri with the Red line fluid.
Again I forget whether it's 75/90 or the 75/90 NS that make the rear do this.
Hope this helps.:o

[ckadiddle]

Describe the sound. Whining? Whirring? Klunking? Metallic? Thud?

[SergntMac]

Alternate thought...Emergency brake shoes. Yes, shoes, like drum brakes.

I've been told by my brake shop monkey that Panther frame emergency brake shoes have a history of sticking, rusting, and general misbehavior. This topic came up when he installed my new KBS rotors from Reinhart, and the right rear shoe fell out, rusted to pieces. It looked like it had been dragging for a while, worn paper thin, yet I never use my emergency brake system. Just thought I'd mention his advice.

[RedMerc04]

First off Thank You all for your responses!
Let me try to answer all of you back:

I didnt use any limited slip modifier, It is already integrated into redline's formula.
It seems as if what was described as it sounding like an old Detroit Locker is right on the money. The best way to discribe it is a metalic whurring sound.

I put the car up on jackstands after I got home from school today and pulled the rear wheels off to do a good visual inspection. I also put the car into Neutral and it was impossible to turn the driver's side rotor (parking brake off) and the passenger side was 100% free. I think that something is up with the parking brake sticking slightly; Just enough to be noticable at low speeds. I also noticed that it operated very noisily when i parked on a hill about a month ago. I have 34,700 on the car now so do you guys think that I should go to the dealer and see if they can remedy this under warranty?

Thanks Again :beer:

[KillJoy]

do you guys think that I should go to the dealer and see if they can remedy this under warranty?

Wouldn't hurt! Worst they can do is say that it is a consumable, and charge you parts and labor. Or, you could decline in that instance and do it yourself :D (or elsewhere).

Just my opinion...

KillJoy

[RF Overlord]

It looked like it had been dragging for a while, worn paper thin, yet I never use my emergency brake system. Just thought I'd mention his advice.Speaking of advice, when I brought my late father's Taurus in for a grinding sound in the rear brakes, the tech (same one who installed my Trilogy) told me part of the problem is that when the e-brake isn't used often enough, the actuator cables and various doo-dads in the brake mechanism itself don't get lubed properly and they begin to stick, hence the dragging shoes and increased wear. He recommended using the e-brake periodically, even when not strictly necessary, just to prevent this from happening in future.