Rear differential whine

JELLER1

MEMBER
2011 CHEVROLET CAMARO
3.6L
V6
2WD
MANUAL
53,000 MILES

Hello,

I recently had my car's rear differential fluid changed by a mechanic. After about a week and a half the differential started to produce a whining sound whenever I go through a slow tight turn. I found out from the mechanic that they didn’t add a friction modifier for my LSD. Could not adding this friction modifier produce this problem? Any response would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Jacob Eller

5 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good morning,

That lube should be added as a supplement for the clutches. The clutches have a habit of slipping and will cause a slipping feeling when going around corners or turns as the wheels will be spinning different speeds.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-differential-works

As far as causing a noise, no, it will not cause this.

I would have the level verified to be sure the level is correct. At this point, am concerned. The noise is there and will not go away even from low fluid.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/differential-gear-oil-fluid-check

Roy

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Tuesday, May 5th, 2020 AT 4:07 AM

JELLER1

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The mechanic is now saying they used Car Quest full synthetic gear oil 685-32 that comes with a limited slip additive pre-mixed. Is a limited slip additive the same as a friction modifier?

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Tuesday, May 5th, 2020 AT 9:40 PM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Yes, it is.

I do not see that in there description.

You can still add it but as I stated, it would have nothing to do with the noise that you have. This additive will not cause any issues. It will keep the clutches from chattering.

Roy

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Wednesday, May 6th, 2020 AT 3:36 AM

JELLER1

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you for the responses, I found out from the parts department that the gear oil they used is actually a top off oil only and is not supposed to be used as the replacement oil, it turns out the oil is too thick for my LSD and the sound I’m hearing is from the clutch plates not being properly lubricated and why I only hear a whine whenever I do a slow tight turn and not when I’m driving normally down the road.

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Wednesday, May 6th, 2020 AT 4:53 AM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Okay, I would start by changing the oil out of the differential and replacing it with the correct oil. Then add the additive for the clutches as well.

I attached the fluid required for you and the GM part number for the fluid as well as the additive.

Roy

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