[guyonearth]

I am noticing increasing noise from my differential. I have a 97 2WD Astro with 244k. The rear axle was replaced at some point in the past, not by me. I have owned the truck since 105k. It is starting to whine at higher speeds, especially noticeable when going around curves, or even swerving slightly to the right or left. The noise is much less straight ahead. It has 3.73 gears, I don't think it's posi. I did change the oil, so I know it's not low. Do I need to replace the whole thing, or is this something easily fixable? Also, I can get a low mile 3.42 axle if I have to, would I have to do anything special if I swapped that in? Thanks for any advice.

 

[toddb]

I'm no mechanic, but I know that rear ends can make alot of noise particularly in a enclosed van. Have you removed seats or carpet. They can run like this for a very long time. Get it checked out by an "expert" . I'm sure other more knowedgeable people will comment soon.

 

[guyonearth]

This is a cargo van, there are no seats, etc., however, it seems noticeably noisier than before.

 

[guyonearth]

Does anyone have any input on the correct oil or an additive that might calm this down?

 

[Chalet1]

O ooo hoee, I know that noise. Plain and simple,,, gears and bearings. No oils or additives will do. Best find you a good differential guy to help you out, or a good rebuilt to exchange. That one may last 500-5000 miles.
If you change ratios, make sure that the axle splines are correct. You will then have to watch your speedometer all the time because it will make a drastic difference.
OR if you plan on dumping the van, fill it up with sawdust and sell it.. :=( and pitty the new guy.

 

[astro355]

10 bolts ALWAYS get noisy, regardless of how little mileage or even how much money you put into it. They usually last a long time but will just get noisier and cost you fuel mileage. If you have a line on another 10 bolt, that would be your cheapest option.

 

[safarirevver]

Hi there. I don't mean to hijack this thread but I was going to post a simliar thread. My 2004 Safari has recently started making a really bad rattling noise whenever I go over any kind of bump, big or small. So you can imagine better, it sounds like something hitting a metal can repeatedly. The bigger the bump, the louder it is. It sounds like something may be loose and it sounds like it is coming from the back. (I'm not an expert at cars.) I haven't taken it in for service yet but I was just wondering if anyone had any idea what it may be. Oh, and more thing. I don't know if this is normal or not, but since I began driving this van (25,000km ago), there is always a very light jerk when the gears are switching from first to second. I'm pretty sure it's not the transmission. It usually jerks right after the gear changes and is lighter the slower I accelerate. Could these be differential-related problems? Thanks for your help. Oh by the way, the van has 176,500km at the moment.

 

[stinky_1]

ok,

so I dont know if I am posting in the right spot. But I have a noise that I thnk is the same as yours. Mine is the worst at about 120 km/h. Its a loud droning noise. It rattles your brain and makes your head hurt. 10 minutes of highway driving with that noise and I am so irritated that I want to kill somebody.

I have found a way to reproduce the noise too. If anyone is unsure of what the noise I am getting is, go drive down a washboard gravel road at about 50 km/h. It will make the same noise as I experience on a smooth highway at 120.

Now, I can tell you for sure that my noise is NOT caused by

Front wheel bearings, Rear wheel bearings, Tires, or Road noise.

I had my wife drive down the highway while I put my head to the floor all over the van. Tried as I might, I am not 100% certain where that noise is copming from.

I have always suspected the rear end. But figured changing the bearings would get rid of it. Well, $150 of new rear bearings and seals and its still making the noise.

I know at the local wrecker there is an AWD safari same year as mine with 240k on it that I could snag the whole rear end out of. But, what exactly could make the noise in there? I didnt notice any wear really at all on the outer ring while I had the drive shafts out. And all the gears looked ok. no metal shavings in the oil, or anything like that. the magnet is mostly clean.

Is there a diagnostic that can prove this is the problem? Bad gears? or, could it be the bearing that supports the pinion gear from the axle??

If its NOT the rear end, is it possible its a problem with the transfer case and its just carying the noise down the drove shaft to sound like its comeing more rom the rear end?

I am lost, and this is driving me absolutly insane.

Hopefully the OP can come back and confirm that his noise is the same as mine, and that a new rear end fixed it.

 

[ghostrider1061]

sounds like to me that yours alls diffs needs to be rebuilt. one tool that is VERY important is a magnetic backlash tool. it measures the back lash off the ring to the pinion. you only wnt .--3-.007 inches backlash. :doh: also sounds like ya'll mite need new thrust washers. if it was me i would just go ahead and get a whole rebuild kit. JUST DO NOT FORGET THE BACKLASH TOOL. that should make that noisey diff quite as a new baby with clean diaper and full tummy. :2:

 

[toddb]

Hi there. I don't mean to hijack this thread but I was going to post a simliar thread. My 2004 Safari has recently started making a really bad rattling noise whenever I go over any kind of bump, big or small. So you can imagine better, it sounds like something hitting a metal can repeatedly. The bigger the bump, the louder it is. It sounds like something may be loose and it sounds like it is coming from the back. (I'm not an expert at cars.) I haven't taken it in for service yet but I was just wondering if anyone had any idea what it may be. Oh, and more thing. I don't know if this is normal or not, but since I began driving this van (25,000km ago), there is always a very light jerk when the gears are switching from first to second. I'm pretty sure it's not the transmission. It usually jerks right after the gear changes and is lighter the slower I accelerate. Could these be differential-related problems? Thanks for your help. Oh by the way, the van has 176,500km at the moment.

Ok i got this one. The noise you hear are the pebbles your buddy install in your hubcap. as far the jerk between first and second - look in the rear view mirror - (make sure you can see yor image) - that's the jerk. ROTFLMAO

 

[2002Safari]

Any resolve on this?

I had a similar noise on my 2002 Safari. I had the bearings replaced. The pinion bearings were in really bad shape. The oil level was OK so the bearing must have been of lesser than acceptable quality that it would only go 125k miles to failure. The wheel bearings were still in great shape as were the gears. $733.06 later the van is now running like new. I don't like that 8.2% Washington sales tax, but I guess the State needs some funds to keep running!

 

[$uperJoe]

this noise is common to all gear on gear drive systems. as far as the clunk or jerk between gears it sounds like your pinion nut is loose or your crush sleeve behind the outer pinion bearing has lost its tension. this will create play in the tension between the pinion and ring gear. since rear ends are helical(curved) cut gears they will slide front to back if they do not have the correct tension on them. the jerk is the vans rear end coasting faster than the drive line between shifts and pushing forward the pinion. it is not noticeable because its when it shifts and you expect the slack. when the gear engages it slams the drive line and pinion back into the ring gear and at the end of the slide thats the jerk mentioned. lay under the van on level ground and see if you can turn the drive line a bit with it in neutral. make sure the van does not run you over. if it moves in and out with the turns that is your problem. this may be a loose pinion nut or a more complicated problem inside. if its the pinion nut tighten it to spec or better replace it so it does not come loose again. if not there will be a tear down of the rear end.

the whining noise is also a rear end problem. it is caused by too much backlash on the pinion. it is because after a quarter million miles you have wore the face of the pinion off and probably the ring as well. now the teeth dont mesh well. you need to remove the pinion and add some shims to it to get it back closer to the ring. this is a fairly easy job and cheap as far as money is concerned. its kinda timely if its your first time. make sure you have a set of shims for a 10 bolt and a backlash indicator as mentioned. a weekend day and few beers and youll be in business for another quarter million miles again.

 

[mnriverratt]

sound like u need to replace u jounts

 

[plumbedastro]

I also have to check my rear end for grinding noise that happens on slow straight aways and some turns I hpoe its not my trany but don't know which is worst/costly or labor wise on my 2004rwd. Don't know yet what kind of trany or diff I have but the grinding
sound has me a little worried plus the grinding sound just started slightly on my 99'rwd. Although on my 99' I have also a grindind noise in front end when braking.