How to Diagnose Axle & Differential Noise
Warm the axle and differential components and fluid by driving the vehicle at least ten miles.
Growling or whine noise that occurs only at a specific speed range (straight-ahead driving)
On a straight, smooth and level road, bring the vehicle past the speed that produces the noise. Shift the vehicle out of gear and coast down through the speed range where the noise is usually heard. If the noise stops or changes significantly:
Low or insufficient differential lubricant
Expired or contaminated differential lubricant; incorrect viscosity or lubricant
Incorrect ring gear backlash
Incorrect pinion depth
Incorrect pinion-to-ring gear tooth contact
Worn or damaged front pinion bearing
Damaged ring or pinion gear teeth
Incorrect carrier housing offset or squareness
NOTE: Noise in a specific speed range can also be initiated during acceleration or light load constant speed.
On a straight, smooth and level road, load the differential by accelerating the vehicle:
If noise occurs, the rear pinion bearing is defective
On a straight, smooth and level road, unload the differential by coasting the vehicle:
If noise occurs, the front pinion bearing is defective
Constant Noise (any speed)
Worn or damage pinion bearings
Worn or damaged differential bearings
Worn or damaged axle bearings
Noise occurs on turns only
Worn or damaged differential side gears or thrust washers
Worn differential bearings or thrust washers
Worn axle bearings
Vibration
Defective or out-of-balance tire(s)
Damaged, bent or out-of-balanced wheels
Damaged or bent drive shaft
Out-of-balance driveshaft (missing weights)
Loose or unevenly torqued wheel lug nuts
Worn U-joints
Weak coils or loose or broken rear spring leaves
Damaged axle shaft bearings
Loose pinion gear retaining nut
Excessive pinion yoke run-out
Bent axle shaft(s)
Low Speed Knock
Worn U-joint
Worn side gears or side gear thrust washers
Worn pinion shaft bore in the carrier housing
Driveline Snap -Clunk or Snap sound when vehicle placed into Gear,
Clunk or snap when changing gears
High engine idle speed
Transmission shift operation (automatic)
Transmission shift operation (manual – operator)
Loose engine, transmission, or transfer case mounts
Worn U-joints
Loose spring mounts
Loose pinion gear nut and yoke
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Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 3 June 2018. Now at 74378 miles