Help on 99 Durango Rear End Vibration?

Question

I have a 99 Durango thats making an odd, loud, and annoying vibration coming from the rear end. It has brand new tires on it so its not that. I checked the u-joints and they seem fine(No play). It starts around 45 all the way up and gets louder as you go faster. It totally goes away when you let off the gas. I can really notice it if i stomp on the gas. I also checked the fluid in the rear end and it is fine. I was thinking it might be the rear end or wheel bearings but would like some other ideas. Any help would be great before i start pouring more money into this piece of junk. Thanks

Answer 1

Probably the axle ring and pinion gears aren't meshing correctly---bearings usually are noisy all the time if bad. Some noises or vibrations only crop up under load and not on decelleration.
Have it taken to a mechanic that know's how to rebuild a rear axle---he can pull off the cover and inspect the wear pattern on the gear teeth to determine if they are not meshing properly and shim them accordingly.
http://www.valvoline.com/carcare/articleviewer.asp?pg=res20020501gs&print=true
http://www.earlyclassic.com/tech.aspx?category=Fearless+Gears-3

Answer 2

aaaaaah I remember when I had rear end vibration

;-) sorry couldn't resist :-)