Repair Topics / Differential Rear Driver

• How a differential works
• Car makes whirring noise when driven
• How a clutch works
• How does a U joint work?
• Howling noise from car

MORE: Differential Questions
 
Car Differential Rear Driver Questions and Answers - This category contains featured questions as examples. They relate to most vehicles.

Question: 1989 Chevy Caprice 305 mileage 186,000: I was at a red light, when the light turned green, I gave it gas, it moved a few feet and then jerked to a stop. It acts like it is in park; it will move a total of about 3 feet from as far forward as it will go to as far backward. In drive, it moves to the front "stop" point, and then acts like the brakes are locked up. In reverse, same only it moves backward. In neutral, it can be pushed through the (approximate) 3 feet of travel. I checked the fluid and it was low, I added about 2/3 of a quart (it was over a pint low) but no change, however I didn't check the new fluid level. I know there are several possibilities of causes, but would like to know if, in your expert opinion, what the most likely cause would be, and if it would be worth trying to fix or just replace (I recently replaced 2/3 of the engine).

Answer: We do not think that the transmission is your problem. Your description would lead us to believe that your problem is in the differential. When you look at the differential, you will probably find that the shaft that holds the spider gears has come loose. Fortunately the problem occurs infrequently in rear wheel drive cars. However, it is a relatively inexpensive repair assuming there has been no damage done.

Question: 1998 Chevy 1500 mileage: 173,000. When I accelerate I can hear a loud whining noise coming form the rear of the car but it stops when I take my foot off the accelerator. Also, whether I am accelerating or not, I can hear "rolling" noises from the rear. I changed the differential oil and noticed no metal filings in the differential but the gear pack in the middle of the differential did move back and forwards about 1 mm. Does this sound like differential bearings or wheel bearings or anything else?

Answer: The whining noise you described is caused by a worn ring and pinion gear in the differential. Replacing it should fix your problem.

Question: 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.2 mileage: 67,000. Bought 2 new tires for front & started on vacation trip when noted high pitched noise in front. Jeep dealer replaced ring & carrier bearings, ring & pinion set in front differential. Got 200 miles & front end went out again. Was told I burned out front diff. Chrysler said I created problem cause a diff of 1/2" in tire circumferences will cause power train failure. Second fix included a viscous coupler replacement in transfer case. Spent over $4,000 total for repairs & neither dealer nor Chrysler take major responsibility. Ever heard of such a thing?

Answer: Sorry to hear you are having such a bad time here. Without seeing and inspecting your car, it is difficult to diagnose the problem. However, we cannot conceive that the 1/2-inch difference in the circumference of the tires would cause the differential to fail. Moreover, it is extremely rare to have a differential fail after 200 miles. It would appear from our perspective and based on what you have told us that the repairs were incorrectly done.

Question: 1994 s10 4.3 mileage?  The rear differential has a lock up unit from the factory. It used to spin both back tires, now only one spins.  I removed the back plate, and noticed no bearing wear, but did notice some wear in the spider gear set and the center shaft that holds them in.  Could this cause this problem?  I also noticed something that looked like a clutch pack.  Do these type also use clutches?  The little centrifugal unit that spins seems to work properly.  I thank you for any advice.

Answer:   You are right, there are some clutch packs in the differential.  They do wear out and may need replacing.

Question: 1998 Chevy Astro all wheel Drive 4.3L mileage: 110,000.  At about 95,000 miles the all wheel drive system seems to bind up when making a slow tight turn, more so in reverse. On gravel, backing up slow, tight turn, the rear wheels want to skid like maybe the rear end is not slipping. I have serviced the front axles, changed the all wheel drive transfer case fluid and the rear end grease.  Nothing seems to improve the binding.  How would I check out the rear end to see if it is the problem?

Answer:   Try changing the fluid in the differential.  Be sure the new fluid is the one recommended for your van.

Question: 1999 Ford Explorer mileage: 114,000.  What is the correct Chilton's Guide Hours needed to fully replace the rear differential & rear differential including rear axel?

Answer:  The flat rate to replace the ring and pinion gears on your explorer is 4.0 hours.

MORE: Differential Questions

Repair Topics / Differential Rear Driver