Identifying Ring and Pinion Gear Noise - Deceleration | Differential Tech Tips

Gear noise from your differential can be worrying. In this Tech Tip video you'll learn about why your rear end or front end differential may be making noise upon deceleration, and what can be done to fix the issue.
Music by Jason Shaw @ audionautix.com

[@mikhailzhidko2252]

It would have been useful if you included a sample of the gear noise you are talking about. Otherwise it's completely useless video.

[@dannygarcia511]

Mikhail Zhidko a whine that makes you sounds like an ambulance going down the road while deceleration... trust me I know...

[@shanestuart5757]

or possibly a damaged example. but I don't think its to bad, plus you get a number to call. idk. i agree to a degree. lol

[@Excentrix54]

If you dont know what it sounds like you probably shouldn't be taking apart a rear end anyways

[@chrisday1590]

@@Excentrix54 Yeah I'm sure you were born with all the tones of a gear whine in your head already... Don't try to be a smart ass if others want to learn also.

[@mael-strom9707]

Some people just love to have a good whine with their beef. ...lol.

[@RussellBooth1977]

It was worrying when the small pinion bearing in the Dana M80 diff failed in my car (the inner race was pitted & the bearings had lost their preload),well, the gears became noisy over time (there was a slight hum which was coming from the diff) and the gears had worn unevenly although it wasn't noticeable to the naked eye. I reused the old gears with new bearings,I got the tooth contact pattern the best I could get it & set the diff lash up to the way it was before the unit was dismantled,the lash has been reset to 0.12mm (about 0.005 inches) and the pinion preload has been reset to 2 newton meters,the total preload measured at the pinion is 2.4 newton meters which gives a preload of about 1.5 newton meters for the side bearings taking into account the diff ratio is 3.91:1. As the diff gears were previously noisy,there was a bit of gear noise once the unit was rebuilt a lot of which has went away in the last 21 months since the diff has been rebuilt,the noise is the greatest at 60 km/h (40 MPH) but isn't that bad that ear muffs are required,the diff was quieter with the new bearings fitted & the gear noise has quietened down since the rebuild. I really noticed the gears humming when I went into town when I went over the bridge at 60 km/h as it's arch shaped,when I first rebuilt the diff,it now has a much quieter hum which has dissappeared gradually over time,that's because the gear teeth has high & low spots on them,the high spots are being gradually polished flat so I know when I come off the bridge & there's a Little bit of a whine coming from the rear - I know why & it's not from a loss of preload rather a previous loss of preload which has caused uneven wear on the gear teeth. The quick fix for that problem is gear replacement but when you've got more diff & bearing noise than Cash then you have to put up with some noise for a while till the gears settle back in.

[@joey66436]

Hi Russell, you'll find that 0.005" is a little tight for a dana m80. 6-7 would be better. The gears will usually get quieter as their steady state running temperature decreases. This can be higher after a rerace due to additional friction from the tight initial preload, however there can be a little additional friction from micro ridges from uneven wear. You'll find opening up the backlash a little will help with decel whine a little, however if you've been driving it this long it's probably not worth worrying about.

[@vaninec]

Great video Thanks!

[@user-gk5kj9mf3r]

Hi, good video, thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have a 2010 Toyota Fj Cruiser which I recently changed the oil in the Front and Rear Diffs and the Transfer case. Prior to the oil change I didn't notice any unusual noises but after the change there is a rhythmic thumping, on deceleration, which you can hear and also feel coming from what feels like the rear of the vehicle. As you slow the thumping gets quite violent and can be felt right through the vehicle. I was given the gear oil by a Diesel Mechanic friend, he said it was 75/140 Mineral Gear oil and that it should be ok, possibly a bit heavier but safe to use. It's probably just a coincidence that the sound/vibration started when it did, but I was worried enough to purchase new 75/85 Fully Synthetic Gear oil and additive. This hasn't made any difference. I've checked Uni joints, wheel bearings, axle bearings, tyres, shocks. and anything else in the rear of the truck that could cause the problem, but still haven't managed to isolate it. My next move is to take the truck to the dealer and see if they can find what is making the noise, although I'm reluctant to do this as they aren't very honest. Any suggestions you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks John V

[@tomnassar5884]

I installed the posi unit in my 85 C10. I replaced everything (axles, diff, ring, pinion and all bearings). I chose to go with the crush sleeve eliminator. I had no noise for about 300-400 miles then started hearing a light coasting noise. When I opened the cover and drained, I checked he pattern and it looks good. I used red Loctite on the pinion nut and was slightly on the high side for preload. During break in, can some play be expected?

[@JETZcorp]

I'd love to know what kind of noise this would make. I've got a noise happening in the back of my car and I'm getting just a little frustrated that every single part back there is described as making "a noise" when it's bad. Does it bang and clang, does it while and whine, creak and squeak, what are we talking about here?

[@AzBlkHawk]

Please do not use background music again. Can't hear you well

[@2274rage]

got a howling noise on 8.8 with new bearing and with old bearings both on accelerating and deceleration, no noise while coasting while the car is out of gear

[@greygoosemafia]

I have an 03 durango that pops at low speeds only when turning mainly to the right... not axles not u joints. awd solid rear axle. lsd

[@ericmattox3103]

I just had yukon 4.88 put in my jk dana30 front axle. I get a roar over 50 , the drive line shop said it's normal an it's in tolerance. Is this normal?

[@barthomer1000]

BMW 5 series e61 whining noise from rear end speeds up on acceleration and slows down on deceleration have changed rear differential and wheel bearings still has made no difference?

[@beterbey]

Hi, I got a BMW X3 2008 X drive @ 120 K miles, and I have whinning noise at back only between 70 - 75 mph regardless of acceleration or decelaration. Do you have an idea on what it may be?

[@raynaidu2500]

What happens if this condition is left too long? Can I be repaired with permanent damage to the ring and pinion ( I have 8k on a whining diff that's now getting worse).

[@yukongearandaxle]

Hey Ray. Yes, running it that way will cause irreversible damage to the gears and will require replacement. You can call us if you're looking for a new set, best of luck. 1-888-905-5044

[@frankpaya690]

Excellent , and right to the point. I really appreciate that.

[@momorgoth]

Good video, if you make any other, please don't add rock music in the background. Can't hear you talk much.

[@Alaskabuilt_]

Cry more 🤡🤦‍♂️

[@hunt4redoctober628]

I have a 2009 Jeep liberty and just had all the rear differential completely overhauled and all bearings replaced at considerable cost to me. But there is still a whining noise coming from the differential when decelerating from around 60mph. It works fine at low speeds and on acceleration, but the noise comes back as soon as I decelerate. Its louder when decelerating from a high speed. My local garage has no idea what might be causing this. Any ideas, thoughts before I return the car back to the garage to have another go at fixing it?. Incidentally the Jeep as done around 97k miles. Any help would be much appreciated.

[@carlosjunior6600]

Did you ever find out what this was?

[@Chevelle602]

@@carlosjunior6600 I'll tell you what the problem is. It's YUKON GEARS. THEY SUCK

[@davidshipley5045]

Have been trying to get tech support for days, no body home ? Rebuilding a Dodge 9.25 limited slip with Yukon's limited slip and ring and pinion. The box says 10 MM bolts torque at 35 ftlbs. The only 10 MM bolts in this kit are the ring gear bolts. Factory specs. are 115 ftlbs!!!! Factory specs for the pinion nut 210 ftlbs..... I Having rebuilt several hundred diffs. for Dodge in the last near 40 years... Has anybody used Yukon's Dodge kit and what torque specs.

[@NAG3]

how can I fix it with your products ?

[@Builttolastdenali]

I just installed your 4.10 gears in the rear and 4.11 in the front..I get a low whine when I accelerate at low speeds. Should I take it back to the shop and have them look at it?

[@yukongearandaxle]

All aftermarket gear sets tend to make a very slight amount more noise than an OEM gear set, this is a trade off of the change in tooth profile. you compromise a very small amount of nose in order to see a gain in strength.

[@Builttolastdenali]

@@yukongearandaxle so slight humming or kind of whine is normal when putting in bigger gears? I can hear this from the inside with the windows up or down..I just want to make sure nothing is wrong.

[@roadstar499]

what causes noise when on acceleration only?? thinking maybe ring and pinion maybe... theres no play on plate where driveshaft to diff...

[@thewaylovego1]

The music messed up your message

[@IIGBII]

So is it possible to just tighten the pinion with the pinion nut a little more so as not to have to take the diff apart?

[@Robodriller]

Yes, if you cought it in time before the bearing races are worn. I think the crush Sleeves get crushed when your pushing a Heavy load in reverse like backing a heavy goose neck trailer up hill. Tightening the nut Is the easiest to try, your not out anything by tightening the nut up a little bit.

[@IIGBII]

@@Robodriller Cheers mate.

[@chriscusick6890]

@@Robodriller Best answer so far by anyone here. Finally someone with good answers!

[@radtek2]

@@Robodriller Glad to hear that on my 88 Chev farm truck 160K I recently had the bearing journal on drivers side of carrier break off! I limped it home about 1 mile . The gears looked ok so installed new carrier. spider gears and carrier and pinion bearings. I used the crush bearing eliminator and added .003 shim to the factory pinion shim. Pre load was to spec. Pattern on ring gear looked good with .009 with dial indicator. I developed a slight deceleration whine after about 50 miles. I will go back and give the Pinion Nut a bit more tightening see if that helps

[@dilshod1234]

i hear noise only when coasting , it disapears if i hold gas pedal even little... should i tighten up the yoke pinion nut ? or should i get a new set installed?

[@Iron16head]

Dilshod Mirzakhodjaev my problem too

[@MrToastchee]

Ever find the cause out?

[@kngcbra21]

I have the same problem. Did you ever find out what it was?

[@tyauz7744]

Same problem here any news

[@jschermerhorn77]

I've had the same problem on a GM 10 bolt. I have bearing whine on deceleration. New bearings, new gears. Backlash was great, .004-.005 on 2 cut gears. Pinion preload was set at 18-19 inch pounds. BUT, it lost it. I couldn't find specs for break over torque when installing and just went with resistance torque. I'm currently adjusting in very fine amounts, taking it out and running it, coming back and adjusting. It is getting quieter and quieter.

[@rlsapp12]

I have a 2004 f150 4x4, and there a whistle at low speed between 5-15 mph, quits after higher speeds. What's going on?

[@yukongearandaxle]

Ga bulldogs fan is the noise only while accelerating or is it accel and decel?

[@rlsapp12]

@@yukongearandaxle at low speeds accel and decal...after about 10-15 mph it quits, forward and reverse

[@yukongearandaxle]

Hey @@rlsapp12. We can help you out a bit faster if you email us at [e-mail].

[@FishingHuntingAndBigfoot]

what type of noise is critical here but apparently we should guess

[@DELTRANIO99]

Bought Yukon gears and set everything properly in the stage doing the break in ,,Makes a slight humming noise when steady cruising feathering the gas ,Will this go away after it breaks in?

[@yukongearandaxle]

Hey Dels, humming on constant light throttle is typically a backlash issue. For assistance with gear setup/pattern issues you can send pattern photos to [e-mail]

[@DELTRANIO99]

@@yukongearandaxleThanks for getting back to me ,,, Would it be that the B/L is on the tight side or loose side ? I did the pattern and made sure it was in the middle it has no noise when taking off or on decel

[@yukongearandaxle]

@@DELTRANIO99 Both loose and tight can create that noise. Submitting gear pattern pictures to [e-mail] is the best way to get gear setup assistance - our tech guys can help you out quicker

[@markl2913]

Get rid of the background music

[@blubu68]

How about a new gear install whine only above 50mph on acceleration gone on deceleration?

[@yukongearandaxle]

Hey Peter - sounds like incorrect pinion depth, recommend sending pictures of the gear pattern to [e-mail]

[@blubu68]

@@yukongearandaxle I sent pics and Gus responded quickly, pinion was too deep I redidit, just took it for a test drive....NO Noise! Thanks Yukon Great Service!

[@tomhiers9025]

I have a 1998 c1500wt. I have a wine in my rear end all the time.is that GEARS

[@yukongearandaxle]

Hey Tom, the whining noise is worn gears and/or improper gear set up.

[@keatonpeterson9176]

Hey man, I have a weird clunking while decelerating, seems to be while shifting but can definitely feel it. Took it to a transmission shop thinking the transmission was the problem, mechanic told me bad rear differential. What could cause this? Mechanic said "just run it, could last like this for 50,000 miles" He said something was loose. ??

[@yukongearandaxle]

Hey Keaton, I'd recommend getting a second opinion from a different mechanic. It could be a worn ring and pinion, bad bearings, or spider gears.

[@Albe983]

Mine does a howling sound when decelerating at around 50 mph, it starts at about 55mph increasing till 50mph then decreasing slowly under 50mph, then disappears at 45/40 mph, all gears same noise. This noise isn't loud but noticable

[@del2lit]

Did you figure out what it might be ?

[@Albe983]

@@del2lit nope, at Ford told me it was because of water pump, changed it but that sound is still present but quieter

[@del2lit]

And when you drive it its okay ? Cause i have that same problem but im kinda scared to drive it

[@Albe983]

@@del2lit the car feels ok, just that sound annoy me, i hear it when i release the throttle at around 50mph, in third gear is louder and it is like a cycling sound, in 4th gear is less loud but linear, so in 5th and 6th gear..

[@brownsquash3245]

Im having a similar noise with my 95 k2500. Almost sounds like a rock lodge in my brakes, but its not and I cant figure it out. Was hoping yall could point me in the right direction.

[@maverickyoung632]

Why didnt you demonstrate the sound so we can identify it on diagnosis

[@rogervanlandingham6540]

ok how do i fix the preload?

[@yukongearandaxle]

Hey Roger. You'll need to do a complete differential teardown, change the crush sleeve, and reset the bearing preload.

[@justinp8946]

Got a question: if I have no play in my pinion or carrier bearings, should my bearing be ok?

[@yukongearandaxle]

Theoretically yes, but there could be a lot of other factors going on that wouldn’t be easily identifiable without taking the differential apart or getting an automotive scope on the housing. The bearings could be tight, but still be pitted and make noise for example.

[@justinp8946]

Yukon Gear & Axle thank you! I hear a slight noise at 40-44 and it comes back at 75 MPH. Not loud though

[@azaelmonreal2558]

I’m currently having an issue with my GMC Sierra, I can feel a vibration on deceleration going over 60mph the faster I go I can feel the vibration on deceleration. I have put it on neutral and that vibration goes away.

[@yukongearandaxle]

Hey Azael, this sounds like a pinion angle / U-Joint problems.

[@azaelmonreal2558]

Yukon Gear & Axle have replaced u joints twice With and still does the same thing, might have to find a shop that does pinion angle. Thank you for replying.

[@Jcp108]

My Ford Mustang gt sounds like an airplane on deceleration but noise is still there on acceleration

[@mohammedmujalled1554]

I thought it would clunk instead of a noise

[@Erniesworld]

I wanted to hear the noise

[@shizyninjarocks]

Remove that annoying music.

[@MichaelBrown-um8qc]

🥂👍🥂👍😊👀

[@stevenmcc2119]

Didn’t even do shit

[@newlion7013]

Annoying.

[@cattlecreekphotographybyto8954]

My God get rid of the rock 'n' roll freaking music!

[@daleolson3506]

What's with the horrid background music👎🏻💩

[@davidgentz1731]

Nevermind pinion noise your gears of the noisiest years I've ever had every Chevy I try to put them in there so loud you can't stand at what's with you people learn how to grind them or something