Alright, let’s talk about that all-wheel drive warning light on your dash. If it’s on, especially if you’ve also felt the car ‘binding’ or ‘grabbing’ during tight turns, or just…
Differential
Why the center differential whines on a Land Cruiser 200 with a Torsen transfer case
Alright, let’s talk about that whine you’re hearing from the middle of your Land Cruiser 200. I’ve heard it countless times in my 25+ years turning wrenches, and when it’s…
How to Tell if Your Rear Axle Differential (Final Drive) is Worn Out
After more than 25 years turning wrenches, I can tell you this much: a failing differential doesn’t just give up quietly. It makes noise, it vibrates, and it lets you…
Why is there a whining noise from the rear axle at speed? Worn differential gears.
Alright, let’s talk about that whine from the back of your rig. If you’re hearing a high-pitched hum that gets louder the faster you go, and it sounds like it’s…
Why does an Audi with a Torsen differential require special additive oil?
After twenty-five years wrenching on Audis, I’ve seen my share of Torsen differentials come through the shop. And believe me, when these things start to go, they give you a…
Can a Rear Differential Oil Leak Cause an Axle to Seize Up?
Look, if you’re seeing thick, dark gear oil dripping from your rear axle, especially if it’s pooling right under the axle tube itself—not just around the pinion or wheel seals—you’ve…
Whining Noise After Differential Oil Change: Wrong Fluid or Existing Wear?
That New Whine After a Diff Service? Here’s What I See You just had your differential oil changed, right? Maybe you did it yourself, maybe a quick lube place did…
Why does the M differential on BMW E90/E92 models burn through oil so quickly?
Alright, let’s talk about your E90 or E92 M3’s differential. If you’re finding yourself topping up the fluid every thousand or two miles, and there’s no obvious puddle under the…
Signs of a Failing Differential (Limited-Slip or Open)
When a customer rolls into my shop saying, “the back end’s making noise,” my first thought is always, “Alright, let’s figure out what kind of noise.” After 25 years under…
Can a Single Wheel Spinning Freely Indicate a Bad Differential?
Alright, let’s talk differentials. Specifically, when something’s gone sideways in the rear end. In my 25+ years turning wrenches, I’ve seen more than my share of blown diffs. And usually,…
What to Do When Your AWD Car Screeches Its Tires in Turns — Is Your Center Differential Bad?
That Screeching Sound Isn’t Normal: Recognizing a Bad Center Diff Look, if your AWD vehicle is making a sharp tire chirp, or worse, a sustained screech when you’re turning at…
Can a Worn Differential Bearing Cause a Humming Noise Only When Turning?
Alright, let’s talk about that hum you’re hearing when you turn the wheel. In my 25+ years under the hood, a humming noise that shows up when you’re cornering –…
How to Tell if Your Tesla Model 3 RWD Has a Bad Differential
Alright, let’s talk about that rear end noise in your Tesla Model 3. I’ve been wrenching on cars for over 25 years, and while EVs are different beasts, some mechanical…
Can worn differential bearings cause vibration?
After twenty-five years wrenching on everything from daily drivers to heavy-duty trucks, when a customer rolls in complaining about a vibration or a howl, my mind immediately goes to the…
What to Do If Your Differential Fluid Is Low
Alright, let’s talk differentials. If you’re hearing or seeing trouble back there, it’s usually because that gear oil is low, or worse, gone. I’ve been wrenching on these things for…
Why a Rear Differential Leak is Dangerous
When the “Pumpkin” Itself Leaks: Why a Differential Housing Leak is Serious Business Look, when you spot fluid under the rear end of your truck or car, your first thought…