I have a 95 mustang. 3.8. and when i was driving it just started making a nasty grinding sound... i do not know anything about rear ends... at all. so i was wondering what it is. and if it could be something simple

 

are you mechanically inclined? If so take off the diff cover (just a couple bolts around the edge) and check to see if there are any metal shavings in there.

 

ive actually already done that. and there were none. i was told it could be a bearing or something... idk though

 

If there isnt any shavings in the rear, are you sure its the rear? Can you pinpoint whether its the pumpkin or maybe the brakes? Just a though because grinding from the rear would typically mean metal on metal which would leave shavings.

 

normally a nasty grindin sound can be caused be soemthing draggin on a moving part, such as your brakes, something rubbin on the rim? something rubbing on the drieshaft? check the brakes first tho

 

i actually thought it was the brakes or something to do with the brakes myself... but my dad insisted that it was the rear end. im going to im going to pull off my calipers and rotors to see if it still grinds when i turn it. unless there is an easier way to do it... i appreciate the help by the way. ive always had tuners and this is my first rwd. alot different then a turbo eclipse.lol

 

and its definitely not the wheel. i took it off and turned it with a wrench and it still grinds. its hard to tell exactly where it is coming from though

 

and it was the brakes. the idiot before me had only one pad on the pass. side. but at least rotors and pads are cheaper. and alot easier.

 

Only one pad??? That was a disaster waiting to happen. Make sure to check the caliper (boot and piston) to make sure all is ok. Glad you figured it out though.

 

Nice catch!