all back together, rides like new! new bearings FTW

 

^
did you use a new hub? or re-used the old hub?

 

i used a new one. figured i might as well go ahead and replace it while im this far into it

 

I have similar noise too and I have started a new thread.
Mine only occurs at slow speeds (less than 30mph)
It happens both in gear or coasting in neutral.
The squeaking/clicking is more rapid when I make turns.

Had mechanic change diff fluid, seems ok
Mechanic checked play in the rear wheels, both solid

For those of you that solved the problem by replaceing bearing/hub, did you have play in your wheels?

 

^
nope.

i would recommend the bearing/hub...

 

i had no play either. i figure it would come eventually

 

I am hearing pretty loud rotational noise and it is seems to be coming from under my gear shift or arm rest area. It is there when I am coasting in neutral as well as in gear. I am also hearing some groaning kind of noise that seems to be coming from the rear when I turn in the parking lot. It sounds like something expensive is about to happen... Can anyone give any further input on this description? Thanks

 

The rear groaning is the clutching mechanism in the diff. When you turn, the clutch is slipping and creates the noise. When was the last time you changed the fluid? I had this problem years ago even with new Honda fluid. I changed the fluid to the RedLine stuff and it went away for good. Royal Purple seems to work good also.

The other noise you hear in the trans area may not be as bad as you think. The car makes noises, could be contributed to the ol clutch buzz, this can get a little worse over time, but isn't anything that will fail on you. Or it could be a main bearing in the trans which isn't good, could be a throw out bearing or pilot bearing which isn't as bad, but still have to split the trans from the motor to replace it. Does the rotational sound when clutch engaged? or does it matter? I've had a slight noise for a few years that hasn't got any worse. It goes away when I push in the clutch. I think it is the throw out bearing. Or maybe its the pilot bearing now that I think about it. They both perform different functions and I am trying to visualize what is going on in the bell housing when the clutch is pushed in.

 

^
I will do some more listening and testing today as I drive around. It seems to happen no matter what I do; clutch in, out, neutral... Seems to sounds worse once off the highway from a trip then before getting on but I can't really hear it on the highway. I think that's because of engine and wind noise competing though.

Thanks for the tip on the fluid for the diff. I will go ahead and do that and get it out of the way

 

^ I have the same exact problem. CLutch in or out, sounds loudest after about 15mi of freeway, then getting off. It is then barely audiable when accelerating away from the off-ramp, almost like it goes away once I stop, then go again.