So what's the worst that can happen?

[frank6]

My rear diff is howling and whining. It has 67k . Do they eventually grenade. Thanks

 

[EasyRhino]

My rear diff is howling and whining. It has 67k . Do they eventually grenade. Thanks

You are right - the worst that can happen is that the unit can grenade, possibly stranding you and damaging adjacent and connected parts.

Or the other end of the spectrum - it can howl forever and never get worse (or better) and go forever.

I am at 101K miles and mine has howled since new. Not gotten worse nor better. As I am well beyond warranty, I see no value in fixing it before it fails. Many of us have lived with this problem forever. FWIW, I changed the fluid at 100K miles and it looked good. Go figure.

 

[therealblinky]

KABOOOOMM!!

that`s whats gonna happen to you.

 

[jakedrew]

not sure what is the worst that can happen. I would say it might get louder. I cant see it blowing up.

I had mine go out at 50k miles and got it done under extended warrenty.

Good luck though!

 

[thepotroast]

My rear diff clutch pack and ring/pinion was replaced under factory warranty at 65k....the whine came back at 90k and now I'm at 125k and the whine has not gotten any louder....

You don't really hear of the rearends grenading in the 3rd gen's....just an annoying whine. I added Mobil 1 75w-140 and some extra friction modifier just for my own satisfaction....didn't help the noise but at least I know if it goes kaboom it won't be because of inferior lube.

Chances are you will be fine, if it's just diff whine you're hearing.

 

[gforceman]

at one point when my 03 with 178k started making noise i went under to investigate i was able to move the pinion shaft up and down

 

[EasyRhino]

at one point when my 03 with 178k started making noise i went under to investigate i was able to move the pinion shaft up and down

Heck, at 178K miles, I would happy if mine is still up and running fine.

At 178K miles, it is not unusual for any differential pinion bearing to be shot.