Hi:
I have a used 2001 Regal with the 3.8 V6, automatic transmission, and 101,000 miles. I've fixed a lot of problems, including suspension, calipers, etc. The CV trans-axles are rebuilds that I installed, with no boot leakage. They make a rhythmic grinding noise when the car is moving. When I lift the front end of the car and put it in drive(non-weight bearing), there is no noise. Suspension, steering, bearings, calipers, rotors, brake pads, alignment, and tires are all good. Is this safe, or should I replace them?
I enjoy your show and have learned a lot.
When you say you lift the front end of your car is the lifting point on the lower control arms or on the chassis? I ask this as if you lift the car and the CV axles are not straight then they will make noise because of that angle. If you lifted the car up on the lower control arms so that your CV axles are straight that would indicate more bearing noise.
Chassis.
To me it sounds like wheel bearings and not a CV joint CV joints don't usually roar they click a good way to check your bearings to drive the car and turn the wheel to the left or to the right while you're moving and the noise disappears one way or the other then you know it's a wheel bearing
Unaffected by steering. Grinding developed after I installed the trans-axles. Bearings were checked. They are OK. I'm just concerned about the safety issue with worn re-built trans-axles.
Failed axles or bearings are no fun at all, so yes you should replace them.
Thank you everyone for the suggestions.