We are supposed to be leaving for MD in the morning, doesn't look like it's
going to happen.  We have been experiencing a banging noise in what we
thought was the left rear wheel off and on for about 6 months.  We have had
the rear brake drum turned because it was a little out of round and the
noise went away only to come back a month later - worse.
Out of desperation last Friday we ordered a complete axle shaft to be
shipped second day from Calif.  Received it today, the mechanic took the old
one out and said he couldn't find anything wrong with it and that's probably
a good thing because the fools send the wrong side, they sent the right
side.  He is putting it back together and pulling the right side just to
check.  I hope he finds it there because that only leaves the wheel bearings
and that's a MAJOR job and it wouldn't be ready in time.  I don't know what
else to check, any ideas?  It sounds like someone hitting the wheel hub with
a hammer, is less obvious at high speeds, gets louder as you slow down to a
stop (without touching the brakes) then softer when you apply the gas (I
guess when there is torque on the shaft).  Applying the brakes does not
change the noise in any way.  If you have any insight on this one, please
let us know.