Odd drive train problem (differential maybe)

[Kamel]

I'd like to start by saying I'm not a mechanic . I am trying very hard to learn, but I'm still very new so bear with me while I learn heh.

About 2 months ago, my rear end began whining at about 25-35mph. The whine would go away at faster or slower speed ranges, but tended to appear in that range. I also later noticed that the whine seems to be associated with colder temperatures. It has since gone away and been gone for a while (it has been cold a few times since, so I'm unsure if it's due to the weather change or a change in the behavior of the vehicle). I also noticed that when it is cold in the morning, the car will feel like there is a lump in the tire, so to speak until the vehicle is driven a little bit, long enough to warm up. Finally, I noticed that I think the differential is slipping when turning and applying pressure. I don't know if it was always like that or if I'm just paying more attention, but a differential shouldn't slip at all I thought *shrugs*

I am not really confident enough to take my differential apart without first getting the low-down on the process. Is this what the problem most likely is, or is it something else you think? I have considered going to a junk yard and trying to find a whole new rear end and trying to switch them out, but I think that'd be far beyond my expertise as well .

Any advise you can give me would be most appreciated. I am a complete newb, so it's very likely I've overlooked something obvious.

 

[MrShorty]

Differentials are all gears, so they rarely "slip" -- they either go or they don't. The whine you are hearing might be bearings. At this point, I would be tempted to open the rear diff up and see what's in there (remove fill plug first so you know you can fill it back up, then remove the cover). A quick inspection can usually locate major problems in the differential, without any further disassembly.

 

[Kamel]

Thanks for the info. I was gonna do some vehicle maintenance over the weekend anyway so I think I'll give it a try.

 

[geoph1986]

Like MrShorty said, make sure you can remove the fill plug before you pull the diff cover. I learned that the hard way, what a PITA! Check the magnet (if it has one) on the diff cover for metal filings. If no magnet is there just drag one through the diff oil once it's drained. Also look for the obvious, like chipped gears and things of the like. Hope this helps.