Let's Talk Welded Differential {Axle Seal Problems}

[razrman8]

My car is a 99 GSX, manual transmission. I have had the transmission replaced twice in it. The first time i went with a welded center differential, semi built, basically ready for any kind of power that I could put to it. The car had a less than good passenger side drivers axle. Long story short, the axle bearing got toasted and allowed the axle to jump around and obliterate the case. I got it rebuilt and it has about 5k miles on it to this day.

Today on my way to work, I started hearing some strange noises and had no idea what it was, then the noise stopped. I get to work and I see a puddle of gear oil under the car. After work I discovered that the transmission seal is bad again. This allowed gear oil to run everywhere.

My question is, do you think that there is any correlation to these problems by having a welded center differential? Something is going on to make these axle seals do what they are. I have this problem of after making tight turns, it feels as if everything is binded up. When driving the car after making these turns, the car vibrates very badly. Wheel bearings, ball joints, etc. are all good. You can read more in this thread: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/dri...ed-center-differential-awd-trans-binding.html

I am just looking for others opinion on the matter. Appreciate your time.

 

[bryanwheat]

The center differential is separate from the front differential so no your problems are not related.

 

[razrman8]

I meant front, sorry for the confusion. Locking the front wheels with the rear.

 

[bryanwheat]

I meant front, sorry for the confusion. Locking the front wheels with the rear.

The center diff is what connects power between the front and rear. The front diff is what connects power between the front left and right wheels. If you have a welded front diff in an awd car than the car would likely not even steer.

 

[razrman8]

Gosh dang it. I'm messing up myself here. I'm about to fall asleep, I'm day 3 no sleep. A little delirious. Center diff is welded, "connecting" front and rear. Putting extra stress on the whole drivetrain.

 

[Colt4G63 also]

Welded center differentials suck for the car in my opinion. Too much opposing forces on the drivetrain, suspension, and unibody.

Anyways, enough of my yammering on; I think you have a bad inner CV joint, or even a bad lobro joint. The only way to check may be to pull the inner CV joints apart, and feel for a divot worn into the inner cup where the bearing rides. Keep in mind that if it's a driveshaft vibration, it would be about 3.5 times faster than an axle vibration.