R&R Rear Axle

[Mike B]

Took my H3 in on Monday for a few issues (cracked roof rails, jack, stab failure warning, rattles). I also had been hearing a faint whining from either the rear axle, drive shaft or transfer case. The dealer checked the axle and noted "excessive" metal debris when they drained the fluid and pulled the cover. They noted large flakes of metal peeling off the gearing (I think this is the lapping compound issue related to eariler rear axles--mine made it 10k). Well, now I get me a new rear axle, in about a week (better not try and slip in a non-locker)--as well as rails and jack.

Dealer through in a new battery-less Hummer flash light (got to shake the damn thing for 30 seconds to get 5 min of light)--seems inefficient.

[bjc]

A couple of questions to complete your entry into a growing database...

Do you know the build date of your vehicle?
Automatic or 5-spd?

[Mike B]

Automatic. Don't know build date, but took delivery 10/1/05.

[HummerHippy]

As I try to make up my mind what to purchase, there is a 5sp - Adventure Pkg H3 on dealer's lot. But I know it has been there since early Oct 2005. So I worry about the rear differential issue. Plus, I wonder how much 'true' offroading I'd do, and perhaps only need a non adventure H3.

[humma_H3]

NON ADVENTURE PKG??? thats crazy talk.


matt
cincy oh

[Sewie]

Originally Posted by humma_H3

NON ADVENTURE PKG??? thats crazy talk.

x2!! Buy it. DO NOW!!!

[startin\' young]

Originally Posted by humma_H3

NON ADVENTURE PKG??? thats crazy talk.


matt
cincy oh

hey humma h3, do u go offroading in your h3. if so i live in between dayton and cincinnati, where do u go wheelin at. ever been to haspen.

[HIHUMMER]

Originally Posted by HummerHippy

As I try to make up my mind what to purchase, there is a 5sp - Adventure Pkg H3 on dealer's lot. But I know it has been there since early Oct 2005. So I worry about the rear differential issue. Plus, I wonder how much 'true' offroading I'd do, and perhaps only need a non adventure H3.

I said the exact same thing in regards to needing the Adventure Package...hindsight is 20/20. I love to wheel...and I'm a girly girl....noone would have ever expected it.
If you can afford the extra $$$....go w/ the Adventure...IMOH.

AND...check the build date before you buy!!!!

[westhillsat]

Originally Posted by HummerHippy

As I try to make up my mind what to purchase, there is a 5sp - Adventure Pkg H3 on dealer's lot. But I know it has been there since early Oct 2005. So I worry about the rear differential issue. Plus, I wonder how much 'true' offroading I'd do, and perhaps only need a non adventure H3.

As they say in hind sight, if I had to do it again, I would get the adventure package.

It would just be good to know the rear locker is there if you need it.

[Hmmm2]

I hate to admit it, but I haven't off-roaded mine yet. Straight street driving (I know, I know ...). Would I have had to do something to it (front R & P / R & R Rear Axle) for it to be making this whine sound, or, is it just defective? Mannnn .... I love my H3, but it has gone in so many times already for different things.

[Hmmm2]

MIKE B .. just trying to see if that 'slight whining' sound is the same as mine. When I accelerate .. seems to be when I'm turning, too ... I hear a whine. If I let off the gas, the whine sound is lower, when go back up on the gas, it increases. I don't think I hear it all of the time. Maybe I have the music up too loud. What did you have to do to hear that whine? Thanks.

[HIHUMMER]

Humm3..that's seem very simliar to what I had when I had to have the front R&P replaced....

[Mike B]

Originally Posted by Hmmm3

MIKE B .. just trying to see if that 'slight whining' sound is the same as mine. When I accelerate .. seems to be when I'm turning, too ... I hear a whine. If I let off the gas, the whine sound is lower, when go back up on the gas, it increases. I don't think I hear it all of the time. Maybe I have the music up too loud. What did you have to do to hear that whine? Thanks.

Yes, that what it sounds like. Mine was intermitent at first and with my old man ears, it was difficult to distinguish where the sound oringinated. But, over time it gets louder.

[NoMoGMPG]

Originally Posted by Hmmm3

MIKE B .. just trying to see if that 'slight whining' sound is the same as mine. When I accelerate .. seems to be when I'm turning, too ... I hear a whine. If I let off the gas, the whine sound is lower, when go back up on the gas, it increases. I don't think I hear it all of the time. Maybe I have the music up too loud. What did you have to do to hear that whine? Thanks.

What you are describing sounds like Ring and Pinion gear noise resulting from either too much/too little pinion depth, or excessive backlash. In either case, it isn't normal and should be taken care of as it will only get worse.