Grinding noise while in gear and coasting

[m962b]

Hey all-

I'm hoping to get some confirmation on what I think is perhaps a bad pair of CV Joints and Wheel bearings, aka both axles.

My car started a while ago with a slightly high pitched metallic whine as slower speeds which sounded like the front wheel bearings. After not much longer, i began to hear a grinding noise, much like bad bearings most notable while shifting into gears, however, still present, but not as loud when both clutch is engaged, or when the car is out of gear entirely. The sound seems to be coming from the rear. It has nothing to do with the engine itself, as it run perfectly while still. The car doesn't shudder or have any other issues while driving other than the noise. There is no knocking noise when turning or anything of the sort.

Any ideas other than some bad wheel bearing and perhaps CV joint? Best option to just replace rear axles?

Thanks

[universeman]

Jack up the car, put it in neutral, and spin the wheels as fast as you can get them going. They should spin totally free. If you feel / hear any grinding you've got bearing issues. If not, it's drivetrain/elsewhere. A mechanic's stethoscope on the dust covers is a good way to hear front wheel bearing noise.

[m962b]

sounds like there is some grinding when the wheels are turned by hand. So probably just wheel bearings?

[universeman]

That would be my first place to check. Front wheels grinding is almost certainly bearings. Rear wheels could be more serious but likely same.