94 Silverado Rear End Noise

STEDDLE

MEMBER
1994 CHEVROLET TRUCK

I have a 94 Chevy Silverado, 6.5L diesel, with 200k on it. Recently I've been noticing that whenever I accelerate a whining noise seems to be coming from the rear end. I changed the differential oil but this had no effect. I was wondering if this could be caused by a worn ring and pinion gear in the differential. Also, my engine is reving unnormally high, could this be related to the rear end. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

1 Reply

MECHANIC116

MEMBER
28 POSTS

Your engine RPM issue is NOT related to the rearend noise, if it were, your truck would not move at all. I would say that the lock-up function of your torque converter is no longer working (assuming its an automatic). The whining noise you're hearing when you accellerate is more than likely the pinion bearings. But it has been my esperience with these rearends, that when they get to this point, with that amount of miles on them, every bearing and probably the ring and pinion gear will need to be replaced. You might be better off to start looking on ebay for an entire axle assy. Out of a used lower mileage wreck. It'd be much cheaper. In the mean time, always remember to CHANGE your rear axle fluid at least every 40,000 miles. If you use your truck for heavy hauling or pulling a heavy trailer all the time, change it every 20,000 miles. Good luck.