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You can expect a rear differential replacement to cost up to $4,000. Now that you know what to expect for a rear differential repair you have the information to decide whether or not a replacement is worth the cost and if a new car might make the most sense for you.
Is it worth fixing a rear differential?
The truth is that sometimes replacing your rear differential will end up costing more than your car is actually worth. But that doesn’t mean you’re at a total loss. You can still junk a car with broken or faulty parts—and walk away with cash for it.
What happens if the rear differential goes out?
Typically, the differential will start giving strange noises when it goes out, or when the bearing fails. You will hear a whirring noise, whining noise, a growling noise, or howling noise. The noise will increase or decrease as you accelerate or decelerate the vehicle.
How long does it take to replace rear differential?
A complete rear differential replacement includes replacing the housing, gears, bearings, and seals. The average time it takes a certified mechanic to perform a differential rebuild at a shop is usually three to five hours. A rebuild on a commercial vehicle by someone without prior experience could take much longer.
How much does a differential change cost?
Differential Fluid Change Cost The fluid itself can cost between $30 and $80, and labor will run between $40 and $70. All together, you’re looking at somewhere in the range of $70 to $150 to change your differential fluid depending on your vehicle, where you take it, and how much differential fluid it needs.
Can rear differential cause transmission problems?
When the differential doesn’t perform well, it creates metal-on-metal friction that wears down surfaces. The resulting heat weakens gears and can cause component failure and transmission problems.
What does a rear differential problem sound like?
The most common rear differential noise is a whirring sound, although it’s not unheard of to have a clunking or banging sound as you accelerate. If you do hear a whirring noise, it’s going to remind you of what a worn-out wheel bearing sounds like.
How do I know if my differential is going bad?
Here are the most common bad differential symptoms to look out for: Your vehicle is quickly going through oil. Difficulty steering. A loud front differential noise, such as the grinding of gears, clunking, or a “howling” sound. Rear differential noises. Extensive and inexplicable wear and tear on your tires.
What causes differential to go bad?
The leading cause of a differential failing is due to using the wrong lubricant type and specialty lubricants. When water enters it will emulsify the differential lubricant and result in rusting on gear and bearing surfaces. Seized U-joints that result in vibration can cause differential failure as well.
How many miles does a rear differential last?
A rear differential service consists of removing the rear differential cover, cleaning any old fluid from inside the differential case, resealing the cover, and adding clean fluid. After a rear differential fluid change, most vehicles will go 20,000 to 40,000 miles before it’s due again.
How do you fix a noisy differential?
How to Quiet Differential Whine Prep the area. Replace Differential Fluid. Replace the seal. Test the Vehicle. Inspect rear differential gasket, pinion seal, and side seal. Clean the housing. Replace broken parts. Lubricate and re-install axle into differential.
Does changing differential oil make a difference?
In most cases, you will need to change differential fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. It’s important to stay on top of changing differential fluid because metal-on-metal contact creates heat from friction. It also weakens gears and wears down surfaces. That can lead to differential failure, which is a costly problem.
Where is the differential located?
Where is the differential located? Explanation: The differential used to incorporate the speed of the rear wheels and front wheels during turning. It is located between the transmission and rear axle.
Is the differential part of the transmission?
A differential is part of the front and/or rear axle assembly. The differential fluid or oil in transaxles and axles should be changed as part of a preventive maintenance schedule. It’s part of your transmission service. Some four wheel drive vehicles require changing the axle oil every 30k miles.
Why does my car have a loud humming noise?
If your car makes a humming noise, it could mean the differential needs lubricant, the transmission is failing or the universal joints or wheel bearings are wearing out. Don’t let the noises continue without having an expert take a look at your vehicle.
What does a bad diff 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.
How long can you drive with a noisy differential?
To reiterate, in terms of how long can I drive with pinion bearing noise — it can be ten days or ten years. This will highly depend on the condition of the bearing. If it is worse, get it replaced as soon as possible.
Can you drive without rear differential?
A rear wheel drive can drive without a rear differential, but as both back wheels have to rotate at the same speed, there will be tyre scrub, causing rapid tyre wear and sometimes accelerated mechanical wear and even damage.
Is transmission fluid the same as differential fluid?
Differentials use gear oil/fluid. A manual transmission also uses gear oil but the viscosity may be a bit different. In an automatic transmission, definitely not; the fluid is much thinner and is called ATF – automatic transmission fluid.
How often do you need to change differential fluid?
Generally speaking, differential fluid should be changed anywhere from every 30,000 miles to 60,000 miles. Your Chevrolet Owner’s manual should outline differential fluid changes in the recommended maintenance schedule.
What color is diff fluid?
If you have water in your oil or differential fluid, it will be a brown color like a chocolate milkshake.
