The rear axle started making a noise shortly after I bought the car used with 120,000km on it.
For a long time I thought it was a wheel bearing but could never figure out which wheel it was. By the time I figured out it was the rear differential it was howling quite bad. When I checked the oil in the diff I found only a bit with some water. I put some gear lube in it just to get me home where I could flush it out and put clean gear lube in it and an additive to extend the life. It still howls, just not quite as bad. The local stealership wants $3000 for a new diff. I said as if. It's holding together just fine for now but I will buy a used differential and change it in the spring myself.
The rear axle started making a noise shortly after I bought the car used with 120,000km on it.
For a long time I thought it was a wheel bearing but could never figure out which wheel it was. By the time I figured out it was the rear differential it was howling quite bad. When I checked the oil in the diff I found only a bit with some water. I put some gear lube in it just to get me home where I could flush it out and put clean gear lube in it and an additive to extend the life. It still howls, just not quite as bad. The local stealership wants $3000 for a new diff. I said as if. It's holding together just fine for now but I will buy a used differential and change it in the spring myself.
- Ron B., Haileybury, ON, Canada