Noticed a noise

[Skinhead]

While out on my 03 standard yesterday, I noticed a noise at low speed (grinding) coming from the right rear, I put her up on the jack, and spun the wheel to check the u joint(good), and figured I'd check the rear end fluid (full) but when I reinstalled the fill plug, it broke offat the base of the threads, BEFORE it was much more than hand tight.  Just letting everyone know to check this plug for signs of cracks before you install it.  It would be a royal pain in the ass if it let go on the road.  Still haven't found the source of the noise, I'll prollly get to it after inzane.

Open to opinions on the noise, I suspect a bearing or possibly pinion cup/DS.  Seems to make the noise at the same wheel position on each rotation.  Running DS GYTT.

[Patrick]

The right rear ? Hummm.  Well, it seems as though it has to come apart to give it a good look so everything will be exposed then. Look at the brakes first, just for the heck of it, noises  can fool ya.

[sandy]

If it makes the noise in the same rotational spot, look for a rubbing on the tire or under the fender.

[frosty]

That plug is aluminum. SOFT I had to replace mine. I now lube up the rubber washer on it when install and not to tight.

[BobB]

That plug is easy to cross thread going in.  A well known trick is to place it in and turn it CCW till it clicks before you turn it CW to screw it in.

If the noise is on each tire rotation, it is not in the drive shaft and pinion cup.  It is turns more revs than the wheel.  Look at the wheel side of the pumpkin.  I had noise issues on my rear end* this spring and purchased a $3 mechanics stethoscope from Harbor Freight.  It worked great.  My noise was in the brake, but I already know that the disk has to be replaced.  Only .009" remaining to minimum thickness.        

* Ok, I know where some of your thoughts are going, it was the Valk's rear end.  

[Skinhead]

Thanks for all the feed back, I epoxied the old plug together and put that in to fill the hole temporarily, bought a new plug the other day, but haven't changed them yet.  Been busy getting the IS and trailer ready for the Inzane trip.  Probably won't get back to this issue until I return from IZ.