Video: 2004 1500 with whirling sound and driveshaft play

[NicksterFL]

I have a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 2wd.
Last week or so has developed a whirling noise that increases with truck speed (not RPMs).

The rear differential looks ok. no play in the pinion yoke, etc.

However, I noticed where the driveshaft comes out of the transfer case there is some slight play. would this be the cause of the noise?

see video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMIMVlWfI_Q

 

[NicksterFL]

Here's the actual sound.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGtXtRB2fqY

 

[MarkV]

Sounds to me like the pinion bearing loose or tight or failing.... My $0.02

 

[NicksterFL]

Sounds to me like the pinion bearing loose or tight or failing.... My $0.02

I opened the differential and one of the Spider gears had 4 chipped teeth. Pinion and carrier bearings all seem fine. No play.

Would that cause it?

 

[MarkV]

Thats intresting.... How big of chips?

 

[NicksterFL]

Thats intresting.... How big of chips?

 

[MarkV]

What kind of diff is it? Limited slip?

 

[NicksterFL]

not limited slip. Just a 9.25. 12 bolt diff.
I just replaced the spider gears today and will fill with differential fluid tomorrow and do a test drive.

 

[MarkV]

not limited slip. Just a 9.25. 12 bolt diff.
I just replaced the spider gears today and will fill with differential fluid tomorrow and do a test drive.

I hope that fixed it!!

 

[NicksterFL]

I hope that fixed it!!

Me too! I miss driving my truck!

 

[MarkV]

Me too! I miss driving my truck!

I know the feeling!! I had my pinion nut come off on me.... After re setting the diff many times and replacing all the bearings i found out the gears were miss wore....

 

[NicksterFL]

I've read there is a recall for the pinion nut coming loose on some years. I'd google it.

 

[MarkV]

I've read there is a recall for the pinion nut coming loose on some years. I'd google it.

Our years....[emoji22]