What does a bad rear differential sound like?

The most common sound of a failed differential is a whining noise. This is often due to poor lubrication within the differential, meaning there is a good chance that the differential fluid is leaking. If you spot a reddish fluid under the differential, there is certainly a leak.

Why is my rear differential making noise?

If the cause of the noise is inside the differential, this can be due to either tight-meshing pinion gears, or too much backlash on these gears. Another cause could be worn out differential-case bearings, and these can also cause noise when turning.

How do I know if my rear differential is bad?

Here are the most common bad differential symptoms to look out for:

1. Your vehicle is quickly going through oil.
2. Difficulty steering.
3. A loud front differential noise, such as the grinding of gears, clunking, or a “howling” sound.
4. Rear differential noises.
5. Extensive and inexplicable wear and tear on your tires.

How do I quiet my rear differential noise?

How to Quiet Differential Whine

1. Prep the area.
2. Replace Differential Fluid.
3. Replace the seal.
4. Test the Vehicle.
5. Inspect rear differential gasket, pinion seal, and side seal.
6. Clean the housing.
7. Replace broken parts.
8. Lubricate and re-install axle into differential.

What happens if you don’t change rear differential fluid?

If left too long or if the fluid starts to run low, the differential will become noisy and can eventually fail. If that happens, the gears can seize, locking up the rear wheels and potentially causing a lot of damage or even an accident.

Can I drive with a bad rear differential?

Technically, you can drive with a bad differential, but it is not wise. The problem may get worse, to the point where it leaves you stranded somewhere. It can also cause damage to other surrounding components. It is smartest and safest not to drive with a bad differential.

How much does it cost to fix a rear differential?

A typical rear differential repair costs anywhere between $200 and $400. These typical repairs would include your bearing, seals, and fluid changes. Of course, when a gear change is required, that’s when things get pricey. $1,500 is just the minimum you can expect to pay for new gears.

Will thicker oil quiet a rear differential?

It is doubtful that your ring and pinion is making noise. It is far more likely that your pinion bearing(s) are the source of the noise. Running heavier gear lube will not solve anything.

What happens if your rear differential goes out?

Typically, when the gears wear out — or the bearings fail — the differential will start to howl. You’ll hear something that sounds like a deep whistling sound that goes up and down in pitch as you go faster and slower. Sometimes it’ll go away when you step on the gas.

What type of fluid goes in the rear differential?

gear oil
Every front or rear axle is filled with a special oil (also called differential fluid, or gear oil) that takes care of this. The differential fluid lubricates the gears, bearings and other internal parts, and provides cooling to these components as well.

Does changing differential fluid make a difference?

Why is it important that I have it changed when recommended? Changing this oil is just as important as changing your engine’s oil, and for the same reason. Metal-to-metal contact wears down surfaces and creates heat from friction, which inevitably weakens the gears and leads to failure.

When does rear differential noise start in Dodge Ram?

It only occurs at very light load, and shuts up immediately if you coast or apply load. The noise doesn’t start till about 55mph and is most pronounced between about 62-68mph. It’s loud enough that you can hear it above the radio at moderate volume. It’s been to the dealership twice to correct the issue.

Is there a problem with my rear differential?

Discussion in ‘ Exterior ‘ started by Cliff R, Mar 25, 2018 . Hate to be a “newby” and log on with a gripe, but I’m having a problem with my 2017 2500 5.7 Hemi Powered Ram truck. The rear differential has developed a “whine” and it’s getting worse.

What does it mean when your differential is making a noise?

While there is no help for our singing, we can help you diagnose the sounds coming from a differential gone bad. A clunk, whine, or howl can signal a worn-out pinion gear, bad bearings, or a faulty gear installation. Sometimes, the noise is not differential-related, but is caused by other driveline or axle components.

When does the rear differential start to whine?

The rear differential has developed a “whine” and it’s getting worse. It only occurs at very light load, and shuts up immediately if you coast or apply load. The noise doesn’t start till about 55mph and is most pronounced between about 62-68mph. It’s loud enough that you can hear it above the radio at moderate volume.