99 GT rear axle noise

[Cobol]

Hi Everyone,

Newbie here with a few questions...

My 1999 Mustang GT with 47k miles, the rear axle has started to give out a high pitched whine from 20mph on up. Sounds like a real light metal to metal rubbing.

The dealerships around here (tampa florida) want $350 to tear apart the axle for an inspection and then if it needs a full rebuild they want another $2000 to $2300 for a rebuild and about $100 less for a new axle install (The new axle costing around $1600 the rest labor.)

Is this a normal to have to rebuild the rear axle every 50k miles or so?

Is that a normal price for rear axle replace/rebuild?
(My mustang experience is only with older stangs where you could buy a new axle for around $700-800).

Is there any one in the Tampa or Central florida area who you would recommend to bring my mustang for this repair?

Thank you ahead of time for your help.


I would just buy the axle myself and put it in but I dont own any tools or have a garage anymore. I've swapped axles in a 66, a 73, and an 86 stang before so I dont think im a complete moron.
Just seems like a bit much for an axle replacement and seems like it shouldnt need a full rebuild every 50k miles on a stock GT.