Clickety, Clickety, Clickety Rear Axles

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dibbons

dibbons

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I know a grinding noise is a symptom of a problem. The 8 3/4 differential swapped into our '65 Formula S turned out to need a rear axle bearing replacement after hearing such a sound.

But the clickety, clickety I now hear after pulling the brake drums and turning the axles by hand (this is from a 1974 Dodge Dart 7 1/4 differential) has me wondering. I hear it on both driver's side and passenger side. I guess I could say I not only hear it, but I can feel it somewhat by way of my fingers as I slowly rotate the axle(s).

Is this a problem or just normal noise? Thank you.
 
If you feel it I'm thinking it is not normal. You should be able to narrow it down by holding one wheel still while rotating the other and determine what parts are moving when you hear it.
 
The sound is the same when one is using a ratchet to tighten a fastener. The ratchet makes that clicking noise on the return stroke.

The sound is the same on both axles. Using a stethoscope pressed on the backing plates, I can hear the sound. When I replace the drums and turn the axles, the slight noise of the drums rubbing a little on the brake shoes is enough to drown out the clicking. I don't hear anything behind the differential cover.

I checked the gear lube level in the differential, it's not all the way up to the threads of the inspection hole, but it's down maybe half-inch or so.
 
7 1/4 Rebuild video, not sure if removing the complete brake assembly is necessary if one is only replacing the rear axle bearing.

 
I forgot the rear axle bearings are not dependent on gear oil for lubrication. The factory "sealed" bearings in this case must be dry after all the years of just sittin' around. For now, I just want to be able to move the vehicle around the yard, so later in the year I will have to pull the axles and renew the parts that are crying out loud for help.
 
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