Is a new differential needed or can the old one be fixed?
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Hi
I have a 1989 Chevy G20 conversion van with a 5.0L engine, a TH400 transmission, and a nasty metallic noise in the back. The mechanic says it's the differential and it's time to start shopping for a new/used one. Is a full replacement really necessary when the van only has 54,000 miles or could it be repaired? And for replacement-shopping purposes, how can I identify the old differential? Does it have a plate somewhere on it or an options code or something? Thanks for any help you can give me.
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With no more miles than that, unless the lube leaked out at some point and damaged the diff gear.... get another opinion!... That just don't sound right to me!.... Have the bearings been checked?..... Just saying... Easy to mistake bearing noise for something else.... When does it make this noise exactly... At road speed... Accelerating.... Decelerating ....Turning in parking lot etc.... What action sets it off in other words??
The noise is constant, and at basically all speeds although it changes slightly in response to throttle or coasting. Might be quieter at 50 mph or more, or I could just be imagining that because of increased road noise. Going to check the fluid later tonight. If it did go dry and is now making noise, is that an automatic replacement? I've read different things on that. Seems like I might need to get it opened and examined more exhaustively either way. Thanks for the answers, both of you.
EDIT: Have checked the fluid. Slightly low, not dry. Evidently the previous owner wasn't much for maintenance, it could more accurately be called differential sludge than differential fluid. I'll take off the cover and clean it the heck out, and if that doesn't help, I'll go get a second opinion.
The noise is constant, and at basically all speeds although it changes slightly in response to throttle or coasting. Might be quieter at 50 mph or more, or I could just be imagining that because of increased road noise. Going to check the fluid later tonight. If it did go dry and is now making noise, is that an automatic replacement? I've read different things on that. Seems like I might need to get it opened and examined more exhaustively either way. Thanks for the answers, both of you. EDIT: Have checked the fluid. Slightly low, not dry. Evidently the previous owner wasn't much for maintenance, it could more accurately be called differential sludge than differential fluid. I'll take off the cover and clean it the heck out, and if that doesn't help, I'll go get a second opinion.