Howling Noise

[CPD]

Have a 2005 Quad cab long bed 4x4, with 11,000 miles. Bought the truck in the summer, now that it has gotten colder the truck has developed a strange noise. When cold I hear a howling or singing noise between 20 and 30 mph, sometimes quite loud. Sounds like its coming from the right rear side. Don't hear it above those speeds. Had it back to the dealer twice, finally heard it. They tell me that the noise is a vibration in the exhaust system due to it large size and goes away when warm. They say there are no TSB's on this problem and for the time being there are no fixes.

Does or did anyone have this noise type problem. And is this a real answer or what could it be that maybe they don't know or will admit to.

 

[mberry]

First, Welcome to the TDR! Second, what year is your truck? Transmission type? 2X or 4X. What part of the country do you live in, etc?



The sound you hear is most likely the ring and/or pinion gear making the howling noise. It should not be making that sound and the easiest way to make it go away if it is by chance the gear oil, is to change the gear oil in the differential(s) to a high quality synthetic 75W-90. Personally, I run Royal Purple in mine and have not had any gear related noises. RP, Amsoil, and some others I can't think of right now are all excellent.



If that does not help, take it to a good dealership and at the very least have it documented if they won't fix it.

 

[dzldpatriot]

Welcome to the TDR I'm going through the same issue, had the same symptoms. Long story short... the first thing that was done was to take out . 002" backlash in the drive shaft, which put it at . 005" That didn't work..... So now I'm scheduled for a new ring & pinion. Thats happening next week, the 7th. I'll post the results. As much as I'd like to see spring weather, I need it to stay colder so I can tell if this is a done deal As stated above, find a good dealership who is willing to work with you. So far so good with mine. Have you done a search on this? There are allot of threads regarding this. Others have had the same noise but with a different source/fix. Good luck and stay tuned...

 

[mbadger]

I have been having this noise at about 20 mph also. I have about 18,000 miles. See truck details in my discription. Since I read about it here I have ask two dealerships and they say they haven't heard about the concern (noise). Can't hardly believe neither has heard about it. I live in Montana, and have noticed this noise for about 6 months. Would like to know how to correct. Have a great day.



Mike

 

[docjara]

My truck makes the howl as I like to call it. When cold and I take my foot off the go peddle and coast. Stops after 5 min of operation. 2004 3500 4x4 quad cab long bed 4. 10 rear gear auto trans. Have not thought it was a problem.

 

[JGrosso]

My 2005 Ram 3500 is starting to do the same thing.

I plan to replace the cover and change the fluid to see if that helps.

I'll do an inspection of the ring and pinion when I replace the cover.

So far mine is just starting and only when it is cold.

 

[sag2]

If you have two piece rear drive line do not overlook the center bearing. They can howl at low speeds when cold. A ring and pinion will usually be very quiet until your speed gets much higher.

 

[blacksheep4x4]

First, Welcome to the TDR! Second, what year is your truck? Transmission type? 2X or 4X. What part of the country do you live in, etc?



The sound you hear is most likely the ring and/or pinion gear making the howling noise. It should not be making that sound and the easiest way to make it go away if it is by chance the gear oil, is to change the gear oil in the differential(s) to a high quality synthetic 75W-90. Personally, I run Royal Purple in mine and have not had any gear related noises. RP, Amsoil, and some others I can't think of right now are all excellent.



If that does not help, take it to a good dealership and at the very least have it documented if they won't fix it.

My 03 was howling something awfull between 55mph and 70mph. I had to have the rear end rebuilt three times by the dealer and it finally went away when I had a local shop rebuild it a fourth time.

 

[dezeldog]

what did the local shop do to finally fix it right???? my 03 howels something awful at any speed and I'm on my dime... . 10200. I'm having a friend thats a dc tech look at it and see what he thinks is the prob. TIA



Jim

 

[RMachida]

I have the same "howl" (engine cold, <20 mph, light load or coasting, stops in under 1/4 mile or with more throttle or by pushing in the clutch) and it sounds more like air movement than a bearing. It's done it since day one.

 

[RBell]

Hey everyone! I guesssing most everyone with this problem has a long bed. If so it's the center drive shaft carrier bearing. The dealer gave me the same run around until I went in there with info from some of these sites. Once they replaced the bearing the noise was gone for 20,000 miles,, but it's starting to make a nice return again. I've been trying to find a new source for this bearing but nobody seem to have it. Hope this helps>ROB

 

[JGrosso]

You might be right about the carrier bearing.



Just in case, what is the ring & pinion backlash adjustment for the 11. 5 AAM axle. I may as well check it when I install the PML diff cover I ordered.

Also, will I need a new diff cover gasket? I thought I read they are reusable gaskets?

 

[dzldpatriot]

Hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong... the dealer told me the backlash was to be . 005" - . 007" Please check me on this as I don't have a manual