The rear differential is very important for your vehicle’s drivetrain. This function enables the wheels to move at different speeds when turning, so the car handles well and safely. A failing battery system can cause major performance problems and sometimes endanger you. If you know the signs, you can have your rear differential fixed early and prevent big problems later on.
Unusual Noises
One main early clue of a weak rear differential is hearing different sounds. When you notice whining, howling or clunking during acceleration, turning or slowing down in the rear of your vehicle, it may be because the gears or bearings are worn out inside the differential. When not handled, these noises may gradually grow so that you can hear them clearly after some time.
Vibrations While Driving
If you feel too much vibration as you speed up or turn, it could be a sign that your rear differential needs attention. Problems with the differentials often come from weakened components or issues within the driveshaft that attaches to the differential. Unattended vibrations can damage the drivetrain further if they are not sorted out as soon as possible.
Difficulty Handling Turns
Turning a vehicle can get especially tough if the rear differential is about to fail. Since the primary task of the differential is to allow the wheels to turn at different speeds, any problem can prevent this from happening. Should your vehicle sudden jerky or experience hardness while making turns, the differential may not be working correctly. As a result, your vehicle could handle badly and your tires and suspension will have to work harder.
Leaking Differential Fluid
A visible fluid leak at the rear of your vehicle could be the result of a problem with the rear differential. Differential fluid which is the same as gear oil, lubricates the gears to lower the risk of wear. If the seals or gaskets are broken, it can result in a leak of the fluid, make the engine hotter and friction-filled and cause major damage inside the engine. Too little or polluted fluid may bring on faster wear and can result in the differential entirely failing.
Burning Smell or Overheating
If either the fluid level in your differential is low or it gets dirty, the differential could overheat. Overheating might cause the vehicle to emit a smell of burning from the back. You should address this problem quickly because it’s a major warning sign. Running with these conditions can seriously damage the parts inside the differential.
Uneven Tire Wear
Unusual tire wear can also result from a problem with the rear differential. When the differential stops working, the power won’t reach the wheels evenly, so a tire can quickly get worn out. As a result, you experience decreased tire life and changes to your vehicle’s center of gravity and stability.
Dashboard Warning Lights
A warning light may appear on the dashboard when a rear differential starts to fail in some modern cars. Even though the message isn’t always detailed, a warning about the drivetrain or traction control system can also be a sign that a problem exists in the rear axle. When the warning lights come on, make sure to have a professional conduct a diagnosis to figure out why the light is on.
Vehicle Won’t Move
When the rear differential completely stops working, the vehicle won’t move, regardless of the engine’s state. Because the differential enables power to be sent from the driveshaft to the wheels, any complete failure can block this movement. If you can turn on your vehicle but it won’t move, the rear differential might be the problem.
Final Thoughts
Watching for early clues that your rear diff is failing will help prevent major expenses and ward off safety risks as you drive. If you regularly maintain your differential by checking and replacing its fluid, it will last longer. Should you notice any problems, you should take your vehicle to a certified mechanic for inspection. Though changing the complete rear differential can be pricey, it will improve your vehicle’s reliability and performance for years to come.