Growling type sound from right rear

[chaselee]

My 05 ezgo is making a growling type sound coming from the right rear. I had a little time this afternoon before needing to go to work so I jacked it up and lightly pressed the gas. The driver's side would spin, but not the passenger side but still making the noise. I'm not sure if these rear ends are open diff/limited slip or if Both are supposed to always turn.

So I pulled the drums off the rear and found that I need brake shoes for sure but still not sure what the noise is. One thing I did notice that was weird is in the pass side I can grab the axle shaft and move it in and out probably close to .25" which I wouldn't think would be good.

I had to give up on it for the day and get ready for another graveyard shift, but any insight for this golf cart noob is appreciated. What do I look for now?

[JohnnieB]

It is an open differential. If you hold the LR the RR should turn.

The bearing on the wheel end of the axle is pressed on and is held in place in the axle tube by an inner and outer snap-ring so 0.25" of play might indicate one of the snap-rings isn't seated correctly.

Locating where a rear axle noise is coming from is difficult since all the metal parts like to transmit sound all over the place.

Most common sources of noise is the motor/differential/rear axle are are Wheel bearings, stripped splines in hubs and worn input gear. Also lack of oil is differential.

Here's a manual on a Dana/Spicer rear axle.