Drivetrain Noise

I have a 92 chevy 1/2 ton v6 5 speed with 112000 miles. It has a noise coming from the drivetrain reportedly from the rearend. dealer says it is gear backlash and is normal. Noise is especially loud in 4th and 5th gear between 45 and 60 realy noticeable when pulling a camper. Anyone else have this problem?

what kind of noise, whine, growl, hum

It's a chattering noise.

not sure but sound like excessive backlash on ring and pinion, like the gear teeth are clicking together instead of smoothly meshing. might be time to overhaul

not sure but sound like excessive backlash on ring and pinion, like the gear teeth are clicking together instead of smoothly meshing. might be time to overhaul


I agree. At the very least, have the rear opened up and looked into. If the gears are slapping together like that, you should be able to notice irregular wear on the teeth.

I've got a 2000 v6 5spd with exactly the same problem...I think. I have so many drivetrain noises it's hard to tell where they come from. Mine is most noticeable when I start off...1st and 2nd gear slow acceleration. It's sort of a grinding/growling sound. I've had it to the dealer and another mechanic at least 5 times. The answers..."It's normal", "It's just backlash, nothing to worry about". What's the danger in just leaving it alone? Am I asking for trouble? Should I get myself a cell phone so I can call a tow truck from the highway? Is it killing performance? How hard is it to do yourself and is it expensive?

I agree. At the very least, have the rear opened up and looked into. If the gears are slapping together like that, you should be able to notice irregular wear on the teeth.
Check your pinion bearing, check the torque on the bolts that hold your u-jiont knuckle to the pinion shaft.