Hello, I have a 2000 Mustang (101k miles, second owner) that has a grinding noise coming from the rear. The sound is constant and unchanging in all speeds.

Here is where I haven't been able to find help via web searches: the sound stops when the clutche is in. I can coast almost silently.

When I had a shop look, they said it was likely the differential but that it could be anything from a small fix to a huge problem. They also couldn't tell me if the $1300 they quoted would even be the problem, or if it was a host of other problems.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

Did I post this in the correct forum?

 

Sure its not the throw out bearing? They usually stop making noise when you put pressure on them (putting the clutch in/to the floor).

 

Agreed. If it goes away when the clutch is pressed in, it's likey the throwout bearing.

The best thing to do is to get it on a rack and have it checked out.

Good luck!

 

If it was the differential, I would think it would be speed related, and would do it wether you had the clutch pressed or not. Just my $.02

 

It does sound like it could be in the differential. If you are sure it's coming from the rear, it is likely your differential input/output bearing. When the clutch is in, there is no load on the bearings and they will spin without the grind sound.

To determine the location, jack up the rear of the vehicle put it in gear and use a diagnostic stethoscope. I'll bet when you touch the diff, you hear lots of sound... not too bad to fix, but does take a good bit of work.

RufusT