Rear end / split drive shaft problem?

I jacked my car up to put supremes on yesterday and ran into a lug nut issue and didnt put them on. Anyway I started with the rear. All I did was jack the car up and loosen the lug nuts. After tightening the wheels back up and driving for about 2 miles or so it started making a t******* sound like I had a flat. So I pulled over and there wasnt a flat. I drove it back to my shop and looked at everything and it looks like the rear might be leaking fluid, but not alot, everything elese looks normal. Is there something simple I might be missing before I rip it apart to check for worn parts such as bearing ect, like rear end fluid leaked out or the drive shaft slid forward? The main reason I ask is I cant fix it at my shop. I have to fix it at home so I need to decide to fix it or tow it home. thanks

 

is it possible that you may have bent the housing jacking it up? You didn't mention what kind of car or rear end...


I would check all the u-joints for starters. It could be just a coincidence that a u-joint died as you changed rear wheels.

I'd also check for a separated belt in the tires or maybe even a wheel that the lugs have backed off.

 

sounds like a loose lug nut

 

Does this unknown to us type car have a drive shaft carrier bearing?

 

Sorry for the delay, it is a 63 buick electra. I feel slop in the rear drive shaft half towards the front, inside the rear part of the x member.Is any side slop acceptable? If not any suggestions? The carrier bearing? I really appreciate the input.

 

It turns out to be a busted drive shaft center mount. I am installing the springs and fixing this. Any suggestions on adjusting the rear end angle after putting 4'' lower springs in, in order to keep the drive shaft(s) angles correct? In the air level? thanks

 

Btt

 

when you lowered it, you reduced the necessary length of the driveshaft. it is putting stress on the carrier, trying to push it forward.

Think a square = b square * c square. shorten c 4" and a must also shorten. not an exact equation as the axle is on an arc as opposed to a flat plane, but it is similar.

 

Has anyone else experienced any problems using the stock length drive shaft with lowered springs or air bags in a split drive shaft application? I see the logic in shortening the rear half of the drive shaft. Now would be the time because it is out of the car. Any suggestions on adjusting the pinion angle? thanks 53sled for the input.