A bad rear differential will develop a
series of strange noises
. It could be a whirring noise, a humming noise, growling noise, or whining noise. However, the most common sound of a bad differential is whining or howling noise, indicating a damaged or worn-out ring and pinion gears.
How much does it cost to replace a rear end?
How much does it cost to replace a rear differential entirely? Depending on the make and model of your car, as well as its condition, expect to spend
between $1,500 to $4,000
.
What kind of noise does a bad rear end make?
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.
Can you drive with a bad rear differential?
Technically, you can drive with a bad differential, but
it is not wise
. The problem may get worse, to the point where it leaves you stranded somewhere. It can also cause damage to other surrounding components. It is smartest and safest not to drive with a bad differential.
What are the symptoms of a bad rear differential?
- Difficulty in handling. As the differential is the element which helps handle your vehicle in a turn, once it starts to wear out, precision is not something that will be on your side anymore. …
- Tire damage. …
- Vibrations. …
- Whining Noises. …
- Gear Grinding.
What does it sound like when a rear wheel bearing is going out?
The classic sounds of a bad wheel bearing are cyclic chirping, squealing and/or growling noise. You can also tell that the sound is related to wheel bearings if it changes in proportion to vehicle speed. The sound can get worse with every turn, or it can disappear momentarily.
How do you fix a rear end 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.
How long does it take to rebuild a rear end?
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
.
What happens if your rear end goes out?
Typically, when the gears wear out — or the bearings fail — the
differential will start to howl
. You'll hear something that sounds like a deep whistling sound that goes up and down in pitch as you go faster and slower. Sometimes it'll go away when you step on the gas.
What causes a rear end to go out?
The first and most common is
loss of differential oil
which can cause gears inside the differential housing to break, grind, or even block the rear wheels. … However, differentials can fail if they are pushed too hard which means that you have performed numerous burnouts, drag racing, and so on.
Can a bad rear end cause transmission problems?
Believe it or not, transmission damage from a rear-end collision is not that uncommon. Some
cars
are more susceptible to rear-end transmission damage, such as those with rear or all-wheel drive because the car's transmission is actually a bit further back in the vehicle.
How often do rear differentials go bad?
Under regular use and proper maintenance, differentials should last
150,000 miles or the life of a vehicle
.
How do you check rear 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.
How do I know if my rear wheel bearings need replacing?
- Humming Noise. The most easily identifiable and most common symptom of bad wheel bearings is an audible one. …
- Squealing, Growling. …
- Clicking Sound. …
- Wheel Wobble. …
- ABS Failure. …
- Uneven Tire Wear. …
- Vehicle Pulls to One Side. …
- Steering Wheel Vibration.
How much do rear wheel bearings cost to replace?
To replace both rear bearings, you can expect to pay somewhere
around $200 – $400
for both parts and labor. In the unlikely event that you have bad front & rear wheel bearings, you will be looking at a fairly costly repair. Replacing all 4 bearings is likely to have a total cost around $1,000.
What can causes a loud humming noise while driving?
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.
