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How much does it cost to replace 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.
What does rear differential service mean?
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.
What happens when the rear differential fails?
When a rear differential fails, it can cause vibration, noise and fluid leaks that impact a vehicle’s acceleration and driveability. A driver should consult a certified mechanic to deal with a bad rear differential and prevent further damage to the vehicle’s driving systems.
Is the rear differential part of the transmission?
With front-wheel-drive (FWD), the differential is alongside the transmission inside a housing, and the unit is called a transaxle. With rear-wheel-drive (RWD), the differential is between the rear wheels, connected to the transmission by a driveshaft.
How do you fix a rear differential noise?
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.
Can you drive with a leaking differential?
Depending on the amount of oil seeping through the gasket, this may leave noticeable traces of oil on the undersides of the differential housing. A seeping differential will usually be okay to drive for a while, however, it will eventually progress into a full on leak as time goes on.
How can you tell if your rear differential is going out?
5 Signs of a Failing Differential
- Tire Damages. If you notice strange damages on the sidewall and outer tread of your vehicle’s tires, it may be caused by failing differential components.
- Hard to Handle.
- Vibrations.
- Gears Grinding.
- Whining Sounds.
What oil goes in a rear differential?
There are two types of differential fluid. One is mineral oil, which is a natural, crude oil-based fluid. The other is synthetic differential fluid, which is created in a lab.
What kind of oil goes in the rear differential?
In a rear-wheel-drive car, the differential has its own housing and lubrication, a thick, dark oil usually heavier than 80 weight.
What happens when your rear differential goes bad?
If your rear differential has gone bad, you may notice some of the following symptoms: A rumbling or whirring at speeds over 20 MPH that change when turning A clunking noise when you first begin to move your car You also want to keep a lookout for a leak, which typically happens at the axle seals or pinion seal.
Where is the differential fluid located on a rear wheel drive car?
The Difference in Differentials. Owners of rear-wheel-drive cars will find that their differential fluid is located at the rear of the car, which is why a mechanic will recommend having the rear end checked or having the rear end fluid changed. Front-wheel-drive cars will have the differential in the front of the car.
Can a mechanic lift a car from the differential?
Professional mechanics with industrial-grade hydraulic jacks and years of experience under their belts are often seen lifting cars from their differentials, even if the differential isn’t listed as a vehicle’s OEM lift point. They can usually get away with it because of their training and equipment.
Why is a differential important in a car?
A differential, or gearbox, basically transfer the power from the transmission to the rear wheels and lets the wheels turn at different speeds when cornering. It is one of the most important parts of a vehicle’s powertrain.