New rear differential?

[Jonny J]

Hello fellow dsm'ers. The other day I ran into trouble with the talon (again )

Heres the story:
driving back to college I was about 10 miles out when I heard what I would describe a "pop" sound from my back end. My car kinda stuttered but I kept driving until my whole back engine was shaking. I instantly trailered it back home and looked underneath my car and where the drive shaft meets the rear differential it was leaking gear oil. Next thing I did was take out the drain plug for the rear end, the magnetic plug was covered in metal shavings.

So I looked online and I jacked up my whole rear end off the ground and spun one tire, the tire on the other side would spin the other way.

I also spun the driveshaft and the wheels would move accordingly.

there is some play in the driveshaft while its in the rear diff. like I can move it up and down but not really in or out. Dont know if this is normal or not.

So my question is: Is my rear end shot? Or what would have caused this to happen. my car is still drivable but there is a awful noise coming from the back end so I refuse to drive it. also I can feel something kinda catching on the drivers side if I do drive it?

Any help/ suggestions would be appreciated!!

 

[95talongirl]

From the description, it sounds like you'll need to overhaul the rear end. Metal shavings are a tell tale sign that the gears are damaged on the inside; hence the noises you are hearing. Although it still may be functioning, (as you tested by moving the wheels) it is in need of a rebuild or a new/used part. I wouldn't risk it.

As far a causes, probably just age and/or miles. Its really no different than a RWD car or truck needing the diff. rebuilt. It happens, things get old and wear out. Also, if the diff. was never serviced before, this could shorten its lifespan, too. Most people I run into are religious when it comes to oil changes, but they do not do any other fluid services. Then they wonder why some parts wear out quicker than expected.

 

[Diamond Star Werks]

If you move it up and down like that you most likely need to replace the pinion bearing. There should always have be some play in the rear end with the gears that is. Not up and down on the pinion. The play like if you hold one wheel the other should move back and forth some. That is backlash and is necessary for a rear ends life. Too little or too much will break/burn out your rear end.

You should be able to buy a pinion kit for your rear end. I doubt your gears are worn down. Usually its the bearings that go out. But if not fixed it can lead to gear damage.

 

[mnim15]

This happened to me when the retaining ring somehow came off the splines of my axle and the diff ate it. I verified it did junk the bearing however I had a couple extra diffs so I haven't tried fixing it yet. Symptoms exactly as you have described.

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[yukiz]

Jack up 4 wheels, turn driveshaft clockwise, a good rear diff should turn rear wheels same direction. Try to make u turn, if one of the rear tire feels locks, like welded rear diff, it is time to check the output shaft t case for slack in the traansmission

 

[Jonny J]

Alright thanks for the feedback guys. I might rip it apart this weekend and see how bad the damage REALLY is. Most likely Ill be replacing the back end completely. Estimate on how long it'll take to drop the rear diff? I know you have to take your axles out and all that jazz, but how many bolts hold it in?

 

[PrimerPLus]

I just took a quick look in my Chilton manual. Does not seem like there is much to it. Get a jack or something to support the differential with and remove the bolts holding it to the frame. If you got all the tools and plenty of room to work. I don't think it should take you too long to drop it and put new one in.

 

[dsmornothing]

There is only 3 bolts holding it in. Two that go into the cover and one that goes into the pinion area. Its about an hour job to drop it!

 

[Jonny J]

Well boys and girls found out exactly what went wrong. Pinion bearing failed causing it too go into my carrier and it chewed everything up. So if the moderators want to Mark this as resolved they sure can.

 

[Diamond Star Werks]

Well boys and girls found out exactly what went wrong. Pinion bearing failed causing it too go into my carrier and it chewed everything up. So if the moderators want to Mark this as resolved they sure can.

Its what i figured. I believe you need to edit your original post with a resolved tag.