Can rear axle noise be caused by worn keyways or brinelled wheel bearings?

The question hinges on the sources of noise in the rear axle assembly. Rear axle noise can often be attributed to various mechanical issues, but keyways and wheel bearings have different implications for noise generation.

Worn keyways can lead to a lack of secure connection between the axle and the wheel or drive components. This can create slop or play in the assembly, which might contribute to noise due to vibrations and misalignment when the vehicle is in motion. However, noise stemming specifically from worn keyways is less common compared to other sources of noise in the axle.

Brinelled wheel bearings, on the other hand, refer to a type of damage where the bearing races develop indentations from repeated impact, typically leading to rough operation and increased noise. This can certainly result in noticeable rear axle noise as the bearings are crucial for smooth rotation and load bearing.

Since the question requires an evaluation of whether either of these conditions can cause noise, stating that neither is responsible for producing noise in the context of a rear axle is incorrect. In actuality, both worn keyways and brinelled wheel bearings can contribute to noise under certain circumstances.