Rear diff problem

[emd645e3]

When I put my GSX into reverse, one of the wheels is sort of reluctant to turn. It will start moving, but it will stop and skid, and then start again. This is usually when I back up and am turning the car one way. It can happen to both wheels. I also noticed it happened a couple times turning into my driveway going forward. Any thought on this?

 

[DSM90AWD]

When I put my GSX into reverse, one of the wheels is sort of reluctant to turn. It will start moving, but it will stop and skid, and then start again. This is usually when I back up and am turning the car one way. It can happen to both wheels. I also noticed it happened a couple times turning into my driveway going forward. Any thought on this?

Center differential is likely shot. There's a nice VFAQ on your options (including rebuild).

Oh, and if it does turn out to be the center diff, I don't suggest driving on it for long. A chunk of mine found the front differential and exited my case in spectacular fashion while cruising at 70mph

 

[emd645e3]

Well, it seemed like it would be the rear, since one wheel will lock and the other will turn. The gears in the rear might be chewed up, but I'll look into it.

 

[DSM90AWD]

Well, it seemed like it would be the rear, since one wheel will lock and the other will turn. The gears in the rear might be chewed up, but I'll look into it.

When turning in reverse the rear wheels have less distance to travel than the fronts, so the center diff is trying to keep up, and if there are broken spider gears, will be some binding/releasing along the way

 

[emd645e3]

Ok, understood. Crap. So, where is the center diff? Is it accessible, or will I have to pull out the trans?

 

[DSM90AWD]

Ok, understood. Crap. So, where is the center diff? Is it accessible, or will I have to pull out the trans?

That VFAQ I linked to in post#2 above has the parts and instructions to replace. You can do this with the tranny still installed, though most tranny shops I spoke to would have nothing to do with it unless they re/re the whole unit.

Any DSM shop should be able to do this for you for a couple hours labor + the rebuild kit cost

 

[emd645e3]

Thank you very much for the help.

 

[emd645e3]

Could this also be happening due to low trans fluid level?

 

[DSM90AWD]

Could this also be happening due to low trans fluid level?

Not unless this contruibuted to other failures within the tranny (e.g. if there is damage, putting more fluid in will not help).

Just for the sake of eliminating the rear as a possible suspect, you can disconnect the driveshaft from the case/rear and see if any binding in the rear occurs when rotating the DS flange/wheels by hand and look for binding.