Two main symptoms occur in the case of a bad differential sound: rear differential noise and rear or front differential leaks. The sounds are so clear and loud that no one can miss them. Clunking only when starting to move or getting on and off the gas might be loose yokes, bad u-joints or worn transfer case or transmission parts If you have the differential cover removed, or the third member out of the vehicle, our Failure Analysis page can help you understand what may have caused your differential issue. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended fluid when servicing a limited-slip differential. Normally the differential should be very quiet, and if you hear a howling sound, it is most likely damaged. The sound level can bring minor annoyance, or foretell serious part failure. A standard differential is made up the right axle shaft, left axle shaft, a ring gear, pinion gear, side gears, and spider gears. Symptoms of a bad differential Photo courtesy of 4x4abc.com . If you have rear differential noise, which sounds like a whirring noise from the back of your car, it’s probably too late and a rear differential repair is in your future. “Rumbling or whirring” at speeds over 20 mph can be caused by worn carrier bearings. One of the most common signs of an issue with your rear diff is an unusual differential sound. Bad Front and Rear Differential Symptoms. Here are the most common symptoms that you can expect to happen if your differential goes bad. Starting to hear that clicking sound, or noise when turning may mean you'll have to figure out what to do with your damaged car , whether that's selling it or repair. Recommended Fluid Only. The differentials will malfunction very quickly if this happens. At the same time, you can listen for noises coming from the wheels. When any of these parts are worn out or not properly lubricated, you may hear sounds coming from the rear end of your car. Bad Front or Rear Differential Symptoms. One very noticeable and annoying symptom of bad differentials are whining sounds. This sound typically indicates worn gears, under-lubricated gears or gears that are out of alignment with each other. When the front or rear differential in a vehicle starts wearing out, it will start showing some symptoms. A “whirring” noise while decelerating at any or all speeds is most likely caused by bad pinion bearings or loose pinion bearing preload. Servicing with the wrong type of fluid results in vibration and chatter. Understanding differential parts and maintenance may help … 4. How to Fix a Noisy Differential. This lack of lubrication could be due to a differential fluid leak. Watch out for these most common signs: Whining Noises. Check the differential fluid. 1) Whining Noises A steady whining or grinding sound that increases in intensity with the speed of the vehicle is the most commonly reported symptom of a failing differential. Next. ---Problem Fixed, center differential was bad, replaced with new unit and everything works fine----2002 subaru wrx wagon. These weird sounds are one of the most common symptoms of a bad front differential. Timely reaction to a rear end whine may prevent the need for repair or replacement of expensive differential components. There are a few noticeable signs that will present themselves if your front and/or rear differentials start to wear out or get damaged. Adding standard differential fluid to a limited-slip differential can result in noise and vibration while turning. This could be due to a bad wheel bearing rather than a bad rear axle differential. This may sound similar to howling. The noise may change while cornering or turning. What does a bad front differential sound like? 3) Whining Sounds. In most of these cases, a lack of lubrication for the differentials will cause them to make these noises.