Loud humming sound Cv axle/ bearings / differential?!? Help

Mitsubishi Delica L400 production commenced in 1994 -- After much anticipation, the L400 arrived on Canadian Soil in 2009!
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dkaiser
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Loud humming sound Cv axle/ bearings / differential?!? Help

Post by dkaiser »

Hey guys so I just installed new cv axle and bearing kit in my delica l400 series 2. Previously The cv axle and bearing broke while I was in the mountains. There was a loud humming sound right before my cv axle popped out and sheared itself. Now that my mechanic and I got everything put back together, it started making the same sound again. It's a vibration too. I'm hoping it's not my differential. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Dane
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Re: Loud humming sound Cv axle/ bearings / differential?!? H

Post by Big-Bird »

There are 3 bearings at the CV axle outer stub.

There is an inner and outer bearing that allows the front hub to spin on the spindle. If you pulled the rotor and hubs you would have seen these.

Theres also a needle bearing inside the spindle housing that the outer stub shaft rides on. At the opening where the CV axle is inserted trough the spindle theres a grease seal and behind that is a metal spacer and then the needle bearing.
This is from a Tacoma but same idea.
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14071207627311.jpg (43.75 KiB) Viewed 4366 times
If damaged its not uncommon for the needle hearings to get hot, cook the grease and then run dry.....they can get hot enough to seize and snap a CV axle...hmm coincidence? Did your tech change this bearing or at the very least inspect and lube it prior to reassembly?

What broke on your CV axle?
Last edited by Big-Bird on Sun Aug 03, 2014 7:55 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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thelazygreenfox
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Re: Loud humming sound Cv axle/ bearings / differential?!? H

Post by thelazygreenfox »

DK
Delica differentials are strong and seldom fail.
First thing to check is the brakes, they're prone to caliper piston seizing. Check all the rotors for overheating. If they're hot the caliper piston is not retracting.

If the front rotors were tight they could've caused the CV joint failure. Fuel mileage usually is poor too. The first culprit is usually the rear caliper seizing open which causes thee front caliper on the same side to overheat and seize.

Check the other bearings after the brakes. Brakes are the biggest source of problems on the Delica.
good luck
TLGF
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dkaiser
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Re: Loud humming sound Cv axle/ bearings / differential?!? H

Post by dkaiser »

thanks for the quick responses guys, the part that broke on the cv axle was the spline that connect to the wheel hub. it was sheard down metal shavings inside wheel hub assembly. I bought a whole wheel bearing kit for the left side. I never thought of brakes though. I've always gotten good fuel economy and never felt anything wrong with them. rotors are fine, pads are good. I'm heading back out to work on it tomorrow. I will show my tech these messages and see if it helps us at all.
Thanks for the help so far

cheers,

Dane
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Re: Loud humming sound Cv axle/ bearings / differential?!? H

Post by Firesong »

Also check and see if you have irregular wear on your tires.
I seem to be suffering some cupping which causes interesting noises at certain speeds?
All the front end components are good and alignment is good.
Was told it's possible with the heavier motor and the tire combination playing around
with air pressure might change it but also to rotate the tires more often for even wear.
Might be the same with you, might not.

FS
dkaiser
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Re: Loud humming sound Cv axle/ bearings / differential?!? H

Post by dkaiser »

alright we got it figured! it was the needle bearing inside the hub. something so small and simple. my mechanic apologized for missing it. we assessed it too fast I guess. now for the tricky part. finding the bearing has been nearly impossible. only found one in UK. or coombs country will sell me a new hub. seems like the easiest way as pressing out the races and shattered bearing looks difficult and getting it back in looks like more of a pain. just glad we found the culprit. couldn't have done it with out you guys
thanks again!

DK
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Re: Loud humming sound Cv axle/ bearings / differential?!? H

Post by Big-Bird »

If you pull both CV axles (temporarily) and seal the spindle opening where the cv axle is inserted with a small metal plate and automotive silicone you can at least drive your delica until the bearing is located. The front diff will just sit there as long as you stay in 2WD.

In order for this to work you must pull both cv's because of the front hub design.

The needle bearing can probably be sourced quite easily from a bearing supplier like SK Bearing or NSK......if you can salvage the old unit that is. There is a model/part number on it and SK bearing can cross reference it. An autoparts place will have a hard time doing this unless the number on the needle bearing is in their system.


There is a mitsu number on this forum in the exploded spindle diagram. http://www.mdocuk.co.uk/forums/viewtopi ... ab6ed7a356
32302 (needle bearing)

My favorite UK Delica forum does show this number as being valid: SCE2012 brand is INA

If you look up Mitsubishi Montero Sport 3.5L v6 you might be able to source the needle bearing from Partsource BUT I can't guarantee if this will be right or not.
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