Malibu's been making a racket of late. I'm thinking perhaps the prop shaft has gone out of whack, but would appreciate any thoughts?
The symptoms are as follows:
NA6A. A road speed dependant (not gearing, or engine speed related) really loud whirring sound. Almost like bad gearbox bearings. Worst around the dreaded 60km/h. My initial thoughts were either output shaft bearing, prop shaft or diff. I thought maybe even the box or diff had a leak and had dumped all their fluids.
Upon inspection with the car raised, fluid levels in the diff and gearbox are fine. Giving the uni joints on the prop shaft a good wiggle shows no play. Twisting the prop shaft only gives a slight metallic clunk in the gear box, which I would think is normal backlash tolerances?
OK, when the prop shaft is spinning the noise is coming from about an inch or two rearwards from the front uni joint. The gearbox seems quiet, as does the diff. Looking along the prop shaft as it is spinning, I cannot see any wobble that would indicate it was out of balance. I think if it was out of balance or the joints had gone there would be a noticeable vibration?
Anyway, I hope that's enough details if someone else has experienced this, or may know what it could be. Did I mention it was REALLY loud
Jules
