Your wheels go different speeds and different distances, so the differential system in your vehicle is vital. Locked up wheels and other problems that arise aren’t going to get you very far.

How the Rear Differential Works

The name is descriptive; it can distribute different kinds of speeds to wheels especially during a turn.  The pair of driving wheels in a vehicle does not rotate at the same speed during a turn. In situations like this, the wheel on the turning side (inside wheel) rotates slower than its counterpart (outside wheel). It takes a system in your vehicle to make this happen. But when something goes wrong, you’ll know.

Rear Differential Noise

Your rear differential is comprised of many gears with teeth that are entwined with each other. They need to be working precisely and fit with one another perfectly to make things stay functioning properly. One of the most common issues is that the lubrication runs low. Another is when the arrangement of gears goes out of place. When this happens, you’ll hear a rear differential noise.

What should you listen for?

Rear differential noise typically sounds like the gears are whining, a bearing noise or clunking. Overly worn out bearings tend to make a howling noise when they do not properly support the gears. Rumbling while turning is a sign of bad wheel bearings. This should be an immediate sign that you need to have your vehicle serviced by a trusted auto repair shop. The mechanics here at Good Works Auto Repair are knowledgeable and experienced to perform this service which they recommend about every 30,000 for most vehicles.

What You’ll Get with a Differential Service

Differential oils tend to degrade over time and begin to lose their lubricating abilities. Like your motor oil, they need to be changed out. We’ll be sure you have enough quality oil to have the gears and teeth functioning as they should.

When you ignore the signs, a bad rear differential can lead to major problems, expensive repairs and permanent damage to your vehicle, such as the ring and the pinion. Leave the repairs to the professionals – this is a complex system!