Rear-End Differential Overhaul: What to Listen For

Rear-End Differential Overhaul

A rear-end differential overhaul is necessary if a driver values cooperative, safe turns and driving, especially if the car is of a larger mass like Heavy Duty Trucks. A differential is a key component that determines how your truck operates.

A differential works to permit wheels to operate at different speeds. It splits the power in between the wheels. This device is useful in preventing wear and tear on your vehicle’s tires by allowing speed to adjust on turns, especially seeing as outside wheels travel a wider/longer pathway than the wheels on the inside.

The differential prevents poor handling of the tires by creating adjustment. In large heavy-duty trucks, the rear-end differential is especially essential to ensure traction and a stable drive.

How to Know When a Rear-End Differential Needs Repair

If a rear-end differential is not intact, the wheels cannot efficiently operate at the safest various speeds. Drivability is compromised including the ease of acceleration.

Audible indicators your differential(s) may be out of whack include:

• Rattling from the rear
• Gear grinding
• Fluid leaks

Additional experiences that may indicate you need rear-end differential overhaul include vibration in the drive shaft. This occurs after stress to the universal joints takes place.

Another indicator is damage to your tires. The inner tires will not adjust to a needed speed. They will be going at a faster speed than they should be functioning at, which can cause damage—most especially when turning corners.

Causes for Rear-End Differential Repair

Driving responsibly and being in complete control of the actions done to your vehicle is essential as driving conditions or other drivers are already uncontrolled factors you have to adjust to.

For example, actions that contribute to potential differential damage include:

• Failing to upgrade a differential cover – When torque is upgraded, the differential cover additionally needs to be as they contribute to the cooling that prevents the differential from flexing under the higher torque
• Wheel spin allowance – If wheel spin is coupled, the differential has the potential to heat up

Being proactive in scheduled maintenance will provide the opportunity to diagnose the need for any truck repair and deescalate the possibility for repairs to escalate.

Upon sensing the need for a rear-end differential overhaul, call and make an appointment for examination today.