Neil must be right that it's bad engine mounts allowing the engine to shift back and put extra weight on the axle center bearing. In this drive shaft diagram, is the grinding happening at #4 bearing anchorage (part 30735338 for $250) and/or the bearing on the #3 right axle (part 8251761 for $600)?
Where can I look to see evidence of the grinding? How bad does this engine mount under the crank shaft look? If I replace the engine/torque mounts, might I be ok to not replace the axle and/or its bearing anchorage?
I recently replaced the timing belt, its tensioner, coolant pump, accessory belt, and its tensioner and idler. I also removed the broken front left brake dust shield. The grinding still happens at acceleration, louder relative to how much the engine weight is shifting backward. The grinding speed increases with engine and/or wheel speed, but I can't tell which.






