Rear End Noise? Diagnose and Fix a Differential in Your Car, Truck, or SUV

If you are hearing clunking, rattling or grinding noises in the rear end of your rear wheel or four wheel drive vehicle, it may be a problem with the differential! Watch this video to learn how to diagnose and fix the problem that is creating rear end noise in your truck, SUV, or car.
Get more tips & tricks when you subscribe to our channel!
1aau.to/m/Subscribe
Buy Now at 1AAuto! 1aau.to/m/Visit-1A-Auto
Connect with us on social media!
1aau.to/m/Facebook
1aau.to/m/Twitter
1aau.to/m/Instagram
Check out this playlist for more great tips and tricks! • Tips & Secrets only Me...
#1AAuto
⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@hasaywha]

Please ditch the music. There were times when his voice volume dropped and then muddled with the low music. It really isn't necessary to have music. Other than that, I thank you for the information that you provided

[@1AAuto]

+hasaywha Thanks for the feedback! We'll pass this info along to our production team.

[@averysmith5246]

You don't have to ditch the music entirely, just put a compressor on his vocal track to equalize the volume of his voice so it always clearly heard above the music

[@billprezioso3677]

That’s what closed captioning is for

[@kccodex8931]

Absolutely ditch all the music, if your content has value, as yours does, you don't need any bullshit noise to distract from your instruction, and the sounds of the work itself.

[@victorvaughn2]

this was an exceptional video. very informative. thanks a lot.

[@DerekNBeerus]

Finally a good video by 1a auto! Two thumbs ups!! lol

[@christophercoleman4071]

Speak up or turn the music off

[@67daltonknox]

In '84 I bought a Supra. The diff was noisy but the dealer said not to worry. 205,000 miles later when I sold it, the diff was still noisy.

[@reemeruxd]

toyota reliability at its best

[@ivanez1im]

That video actually is the first one of its type that I have seen and that actually explains the problem of clunking or diff noise and gives a detailed explanation of the solution... I hope these things would apply also to the old audi a4 quattro rear differentials. Many thanks

[@1AAuto]

+ivanez1im Thanks for checking us out. Shop for high quality auto parts on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@minnesota7010]

Doesn't tell you how to adjust the backlash or does the new part fixed the backlash? How does the backlash get messed up in the first place ?Helppppp... great video though you really explain yourself well sir.

[@2028end]

Very informative video. Thanks!

[@Mechanicsville804]

Excellent video! Maybe the best I’ve seen on the topic.

[@Noahuhhh]

My crown vic is having what appears to be a similar problem. Glad I found this video.

[@1AAuto]

+Summs Thanks for checking us out. Shop here for high quality auto parts: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto

[@DELTRANIO99]

Put new set of gears in my GM 10 bolt notice during the break in it makes a slightly sound when slightly on the gas , Did the backlash to specs any idea ,And BTW what brand gears did you use ?

[@kroekerta]

I am extremely impressed with the level of his expertise. I wish he was who I took any and all of my repairs. What a rockstar

[@tahcogunworks]

Good video and your mechanic did a great job. Nice to see younger kids in the business.

[@1AAuto]

+Tim Hasselbach Thanks for checking us out!

[@charlesjames7935]

I have a 2007 Chevy Avalanche, and the noise I hear coming from the rear of the truck sounded like the Sway Bar Links were dry, so I went and purchased a hand held Grease Gun from Harbor Freight and added grease, but that did not eliminate the noise. I then raised the rear of the vehicle and shook the tire, and discovered there was "in and out" movement of more than 10 thousands of a inch. Is this a Bearing problem, or something more??

[@OSCARANDRES039]

Thank you for your video. Would you be able to guide me with this issue I'm having. I have a 05 chevy tahoe, 3.42 gears. GU6,G80. lately when I turn in either direction at a slow speeds, my rear wheels start to lock up and drag as if I was braking but I'm not. I am also starting to hear a growl when coming to slow stop. Any idea on what can be causing this issue and how to remedy. It's my daily driver and need it back on the road. I am also running 37" tires. Your input or advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[@JesusMartinez-cn4kq]

I love you videos that very helpful thanks!

[@macabre19]

Good video. Thank you.

[@socalRooster]

Yes Finally a video describes the noise I’m having in my jeep ..thanks

[@zachsavary8154]

Same here!

[@RedneckMechanicsYT]

Same here! Been HOWLING for 5 years. It's gotten significantly worse past 2 months and now other bearings are going out

[@vanceostby5126]

Good job on the video very explanatory thank you.

[@musekanaan628]

Hi bro thaks the vidio. I have same same problemer. Vito 113 cdi 2.1 2010. Loud soud when i Change the 2 gear. Please help.thanks

[@KTHKUHNKK]

Superb job to thumbs up for that mechanic in his great great work.

[@1AAuto]

+KEITH KUHN Thank you for your positive feedback! We are happy we could help!

[@Sebastianx115]

I hear a noise only when decelerating and a lot of fluid leak from the pinion side what could this be

[@lewismohr1]

excellent vid. TY

[@69mustang]

Great video!!! THXS👍

[@1AAuto]

+Mustang Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@animalcub5102]

Thank You! Answer my question.

[@COYS111]

I’ve just picked up a brand new MY20 Tiguan Allspace (Tiguan in US) and on the day of pickup I noticed a noise that sounded like an old air conditioner’s refrigerating system kicking in when accelerating gradually through D1-D3 initially and now all up to D7 as long as it’s at around 2000rpm so engine noise can’t mask the noise. The noise is not intrusive and my passengers don’t notice it at all. It’s my first 4 Motion VW with Haldex system and on courtesy call salesman at VW dealership tells me it’s probably “the humming noise from 4 Motion rear diff”. I haven’t had it checked by the service department yet but I’ve only had the car for a few days and it has 330km on it at the moment. Is this type of noise that you’d get from the bad ring and pinion or carrier bearings?

[@cal48koho]

great. answered my questions on why I have dif noise

[@MichaelBorne-rh8co]

I got a 4x4, does it on deceleration, but sounds like in front. Would this be same issues but just in the front differential? How would you check front one, sme way as the things you're doing for this rear diff? Im just trying to figure out few things before i start repairing whatever is making my noise on deceleration. Thanks!

[@mattadams6641]

You're very good at your job

[@1AAuto]

+Matt Adams Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@pmgear]

But how do you adjust the backlash? shimming of the bearings?

[@johnmaguire471]

Shimming

[@Marcosvlogs847]

Good video

[@jesserousseau2481]

Andy you need to do more of these. But I'd like to see you do more stuff in 2500s 3500s

[@garyrohlman6013]

SUPER VIDEO. A RARE VIDEO ANDY IS A SUPER TEACHER.

[@MichaelBorne-rh8co]

On a 4x4, if my noise does it in 4hi, would that mean it's NOT the front diff? Could i rule out the front one? Im having hard time telling if sound it's making(on deceleration only), is in the front or back. Any help is appreciated! Thx

[@isabelgarcia891]

Thank you

[@susanaloomis5478]

How long should I drive it to let the new differential additive oil get in there well?

[@WBOS72]

Excellent video - well detailed too. Thank you.

[@1AAuto]

+WBOS72 Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@Herr2Cents]

Great video. What's a job like that cost? Thank you, John

[@MrRoy-rb1je]

Outstanding

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for checking us out. 1aauto.com +Mr. Roy

[@TheUche77]

Very informative video! You definitely have thorough knowledge of your craft. I was trying to find out the possible cause of much body noise in the rear of my 2002 nissan pathfinder. Can you help me with a solution to end the annoying noise?

[@nocapniko7440]

Mines sounds like metal clanking when I accelerate but I can’t tell if it’s the front or back one and if it’s not a axle or not

[@dattdude6077]

This just might be my issue. Would you know how much for the repair? ~GREAT Vid

[@jaredmayer3960]

Dial indicator - There’s a way better dial indicator than the one you were using to check the backlash. You get a lot of cosine error using the method you were using. Like .008 actual measurement shows up like .012 on the dial. Basically it is easy to have things too tight. You should be set up parallel to centreline, square to the tooth centreline for accurate measurement. Pattern - If your pattern is good on the drive side your backlash will be right and the coast side will be exactly where it is machined to be. You can move the contact point around but you can’t change the drive-coast relationship. It’s how they are ground.

[@1AAuto]

+Jared Mayer Thanks for checking us out!

[@minnesota7010]

If i have a low humming sound when you give it gas and goes away when you coast is this a big problem or should I just drive it or need to be fixed it has 240000 on her. Thanks Sir.

[@joshcatalano5127]

Hi mine is rumbling quite a bit, is it ok to drive for a while till I can fit it in at the garage in about a weeks time? As I need it for work

[@briantruck2284]

Check the oil level

[@sesparza5020]

Can you make a video on the bearing near the wheel? I think I have that problem on my jeep xj

[@kinggcasanovaa9568]

Saul Perez Esparza hey any update on your Jeep? I’ve got a weird choppy humming noise rear end on my patriot

[@sesparza5020]

Kingg Casanovaa out of no were it stopped making the noise, I haven’t check since then

[@kinggcasanovaa9568]

Saul Perez Esparza oh lucky you hopefully doesn’t come back I’m looking at a $1500 fix and could possibly be more depending on if other parts are damaged 😓

[@mattferrigno9750]

My rear end makes noise after eating Mexican food. Sounds like air escaping, just changed out my diff. and now the noise is fixed. Thanks man

[@chuckgilly]

Don't leave the plug in there too long. It may cause excessive pressure buildup, thus causing your rear end to explode.

[@CARRIEPHILLIPS1122]

I laughed way too hard at this comment 🤣😂🤣😂

[@wizardmack3551]

Hi, Question: I am traveling and near Saint Augustine, Florida, do you know who rebuilds re-ends in this area, or how to find some one honest and qualified? My front seal just blew out. Need to decide if I fix or crap the van.

[@sonnyburnett5514]

His description of when this pickup makes it's "Noises" & how it sounds as well is nearly match to what I've got with my 2002 Toyota Tundra. Unfortunately, Tundra's have no removeable rear cover to check anything. Since the rear differential & axels are all within a housings & can only be serviced by unbolting the axel coverings (I think, it's been awhile since I really looked at all of it) it's a monumental undertaking to do any work on any part of what's back there. I believe the mechanic I had "Look & Listen" to it came to the conclusion that it's axel bearing was the problem, but learned it was "PROPIETARY" to my pickup from some information (rather obscure information) he found somewhere. If anyone could direct me to an "OBSCURE SOURCE OF INFORMATION" regarding an odd size of the rollers/balls used in the rear end axel bearing/s in a 2002 Toyota Tundra, it would be greatly appreciated.

[@1AAuto]

+Sonny Burnett Thanks for the feedback!

[@davidputnam9806]

Is that backlash play suppose to be the same for most vehicles?

[@carllemke4622]

Hi I’m looking at a 2007 Yukon Denali he says there’s a brand new engine in a newer transmission that was installed. He said the rear end is jumpy and thinks the rear differential is going bad. Not exactly sure what that means?

[@Just4gigonly]

Any idea much and where can I shop 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum Differential... ?

[@justintidwell-gy9ui]

my 1997 expedition is making a grinding noise near the right rear. but usually only when im turning. when i push on the brakes it stops. i was told it has something to do with the emergency brake. could this be true?

[@OMRS1]

I have a 09 GMC Sierra 2500 gas and I’m at 150k miles. Doing the exact same thing as this ford I can feather the throttle and it’ll make a winding howling noise. Basically only under load but once I let off it goes away. But after watching this video it’s basically everything in the rear end is done for I guess. How bad is it to keep driving it as it is?

[@yqwgjsg]

I bought a 97 F150 in late 96. It was perfect until a recall and the dealer said they knocked the weight off the driveshaft and had to replace it. After that I had a roaring noise from the rear and took it back. They said it was the Firestone tires and I would have to take it to them. About that time I got a company car and almost never drove my truck. I just lived with the noise for years when I did. Finally had the tires replaced and the noise remained. 97,000 miles later it’s still there. Truck runs great but I can’t find anyone who can tell me what’s causing the noise.

[@julzg937]

I'm having issues with my 2013 BMW M5. We changed out both axles but now I'm getting noise in the back when I'm accelerating and getting a drive train malfunction. Any ideas ?

[@tony1984]

If I have a scrape marks from the pinion gear on my differential housing will it be pinion gear or differential that’s bad?

[@czts4778]

Is it ok to use a lighter rear differential full synthetic oil 70w-90 from oem 70w-140 on my 2015 Ford F-150. I don’t tow and just use my truck for commute and minor diy project at home. Thanks

[@1AAuto]

+CZ TS !!! We recommend always following your manual for the oil that your truck uses and not altering from that. Thanks for watching.

[@carlobarreras3839]

Hello I’m hearing a wine from my 2017 scatpack challenger when I step on the gas not sure what the problem could be when I let go of the gas pedal it goes away ?

[@bigdurr9382]

I need a GMC Yukon rear diff asap like now you said click the link for parts but I don’t see any contact information

[@tmcjdc58]

I bought a front drive shaft for my 2006 Yukon from you guys and the boot already blew is that covered under a warranty

[@1AAuto]

+Jeffrey Conway Thanks for watching! If you have any issues with a part you ordered from us please be sure to contact our customer service department right away! Our contact info can be found here; www.1aauto.com/about/contact

[@Dennis-cy4wv]

I'm struggling here. Need your advice. My wife has a Kia sorento, 2WD, 180,000 miles. Never, ever any problem. No roar, whine, or anything. Problem. We had both my grown grandsons riding in rear seat, hit a bump, sounded like the rear bumpstops bottomed out. All was well, still no obvious problem. The next day, as we were taking my grandsons home, we drove 68 miles, 2 lane and a few miles interstate. When I got to our exit, we completed the turn, no problem, but as I pulled away from the traffic light, one helluva vibration, throughout the car. Sounded like we were traveling on the "rumble strip" on the side of the highway. By this time, I'm creeping, thinking we had a flat tire. Car would quiten down, then start shuttering again. We were just creepin. I thought I may have a bad rotor, replaced front rotors, pads on all four wheels, checked for bad spots on tires, which are new. I checked the driveshaft as well as I could, no "slop in the driveshaft, no "pop" shifting from park to drive or reverse. I even replaced the font wheel speed sensor/ ABS sensors, even though I had no code. Scanned it, no codes were stored at all. Pulled the ABS fuse, got a code, replace it, code cleared. Had to have it hauled home on a rollback wrecker. it is undriveable. My next, and last guess would be something in the rear diff. Nothing I have done has made any change. I respect your opinion, of course, I've never set one up before, so I'll have to take it to the dealer. What do you think, my friend?

[@thomas25082]

What did it end up being?

[@wizardmack3551]

How much does a rebuild job cost on average? Am trying to decide whether to fix or scrap my 91 G-20 van.

[@ia6980]

I have rear end clicking, during turns when engaged in 4x4 :/ mechanic cant figure it out, when its in 2x2 no issues when turning or driving, but when i engage 4x4 it has clicking sounds, any idea? There,were some damage to the side of the tire before, but axle is not bent and passed alignment no issues?.... any clues? Thanku in advance!

[@vitoatari4325]

Always by good plan with very law cost could rectify problem

[@1AAuto]

+vito atari Thanks for checking us out. 1AAuto.com

[@Sjeronimo1]

My 2012 mustang V6 is making noise in the rear end and it’s also leaking oil. The noise it makes is like it’s grinding against something and like a roaring noise as well. How do I fix this and how much will it cost me to fix this? I was told to not drive my car until I fix it. Where should I go and what should I do? Someone please help and give me some ideas. Can I do this job myself?

[@user-ds6re3cn1f]

I HAVE A 2012 RAM 1500 4X4 AND AS I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND IT HOWLS OR ROARS AS I SPEED UP .if i turn to the right the noise quiets down but it doesnt when i turn left. To me it sounds like its in front end ? Would that actually still be the rear diff. The truck has 169000 miles on it .

[@jepper80]

You'll get a better pattern if you push the ring gear against the pinion. Easier to do than turning the pinion and produces a nice pattern since you're pushing against the pinons gear preload.

[@1AAuto]

+Jeeper80 Thanks for the tip!

[@bigbluezo6]

when should you change the differential fluid

[@BMWI-gk9wh]

90k+

[@QAISADEEB]

I have a BMW 530 I have a rear differential humming sound not like this exactly, it's smooth but annoying Is it really dangerous ?? Can I drive for a long trip ? Is it just a sound or should I fix it soon ?? It will cost me 3000$

[@javiervargas505]

How much does it cost for a job on a Nissan frontier v6 XE cost? Any help would be great

[@Nh0001]

So would just replacing diff fluid get rid of the clunking noise?

[@DunOpondo]

I get some noise from my Honda crv rd1, but it's differential looks different from the one you are handling

[@ivanez1im]

How do you adjust the backlash ??

[@rashidafandiyev]

i have like this problem when i turning left or right some noise happening is that also differential? w205 RWD

[@jumpinglenin]

I just put in a new ring and pinion. New bearings as well. Backlash is good but I m getting a howling noise on acceleration. Any thoughts.

[@railrider4745]

Rowdy Rubio my 02 trail blzr doing same. Pinion running to shallow, excessive end play on right axle.

[@tmchevyman5319]

Rowdy Rubio did you ever figure out what was going on with the rear diff

[@truenorthmuskoka9077]

im having the same noise when accelerating on my 2012 nissan frontier. Im being told there are no replacement parts for my differential (M226) and I need a complete new rear end. The oil was like chocolate milk. I dont go in water or off roading. its a mystery to me.

[@falcao6465]

my car have problem like this,when i go uphill and rev is about 1.5 voice like this comes from back part of a car..can someone help?

[@re9473]

My 2009 F150 rear differential only makes noise on real light acceleration under load meaning if I have it on the list I want to hear the noise at all not sure what it could be

[@christianbasa2578]

Hello guys I just had a over a year old 2019 small compact suv. And it’s been. Rear ended last year. I bought it new last January and I been rear ended. March 2019. They fixed it and now the noise come. At the rear Thank you

[@1AAuto]

+Christian Basa Thanks for checking us out!

[@christianbasa2578]

1A Auto Parts is that would be the cause. Should I go to my dealership or to the one who fixed my car ? Thank you

[@1AAuto]

+Christian Basa Thanks for checking us out! We would suggest taking the vehicle back to where it was originally fixed. Please let us know if you have any further questions, thank you!

[@Builttolastdenali]

I just put yukon gears in my 4wd 2018 1500 sierra denali..there is a different in noise when accelerating and decelerating..is that normal?

[@1AAuto]

+Haven Barner We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@kthompson8336]

What was the sound it was making?? A thump?? And did the sound appear when coming to a complete stop like a lunge forward type of feeling??

[@NFSINSANE]

In the beginning you can hear it but only if you're familiar with the sound. It was howling/low pitched whine.

[@ClutchTFS]

I have an 02 ram 1500 with 3.92 gears... just completely replaced the rear end as the old one got ran dry and i drove the truck till it imploded.. it seized and ended up taking out my driveshaft, gas tank, overdrive housing on my 46re trans, exhaust, etc. Bought all the parts and rebuilt the truck myself for about 1300$ but would have easily cost 5000$ in parts/labour at a shop. Long story short if you hear alot of noise coming from your rear end stop driving you'll save alot of money in the long run lol

[@herzus1993]

I have whining noise form rear left driver side at 45 to 70mph could it be the wheel bearing?!

[@mortonnyirenda1406]

Where can I find your services in Malawi?

[@Mike_The_Hog_A_Nator]

My 02' Blazer ZR2 w/ a G80 Locker in the rearend was making a whining sound at 25mph & faster. Found out it's my Pinion Bearing going out, even though everything is tight & no leaking. No clunking, etc. Just a whine. I'll turn the radio up a little louder lol

[@frankpaya690]

Did you replace the pinion, as well as the ring gear? and did you use the same shim on the pinon?

[@tomachicken5906]

do you have a video on how to remove everything

[@steveniksid5874]

What would be causing a shutter when (slowly) accelerateing from a stop? It's worst when making a right hand turn.

[@troygrant5418]

Limited Slip differential?

[@brandonUwanawich954]

Gong threw the same when from a stop to 40mph found out my differanl is bad

[@starman9458]

I had a scraping sound in my 1999 Cherokee Limited and felt a clunk, when I pulled over to find out where the clunk came from I couldn’t find the source and when I put it in drive it made a loud grinding sound and wouldn’t move even any other gear I have it in except for park. Would I have a bad differential?

[@1AAuto]

+Starman94 We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@starman9458]

I don’t have it anymore, I sold it back in November 2014 and currently have a Ram 1500 4x4.

[@tramnguyen6191]

good

[@T.-14]

Good deal

[@danielebbeling4056]

I heard you replaced the ring gear. Did the pinion gear require changing with it?

[@frankpaya690]

You replace them as a pair

[@bobsoft]

You should always replace both

[@chuckgilly]

He replaced them as a set. The ring & pinion are a matched set and must never be mix-n-matched with others.

[@fredjohnson9091]

What is a rough estimate (price) on what you just worked on

[@Ntmoffi]

$1000

[@justinsane7128]

That sounds about right a shop just gave me an estimate on a k2500 for $1,200, this truck has less than 100,000 miles on it and hardly ever towed

[@jasondominguez830]

They charging me 1400 for the whole part and new filter,gasket and oil for transmission is that bad ?

[@BEASTMODE988]

Got my rear diff done by a local highly recommended shop with lower gears and a trutrac installed, makes a howl on decel at 40-45 brought it back says it’s no big deal and such they put some Lucas in and was quiet for a month or two and it’s back been like that for two years hasn’t gotten worse but sure is annoying

[@Dboyquicks10]

The Lucas was a mask for them not setting up the gears properly. Needs to be shimed to the right.

[@chriscusick6890]

Danny So you want to move ring gear closer to the pinion?

[@usafyuros6126]

very informative video for a moment I thought you was Matthew Lillard

[@aronsord2363]

Can a carrier bearing cause a shuttering, almost a crunchy vibration at slow speeds after a few mins of highway speed? It doesn't do it unless i run 60-70mph for 10+ mins. I also have a humming sound that seems like a wheel or carrier bearing. I'm having a hard time getting the prob diagnosed. It's an 07 AWD Saturn Vue.

[@chrisw944]

Did you ever figure out this problem? I have something similar in a suburban, at highways speed, but it takes like 15 minutes of driving before it happens.

[@Bereft777]

How about a brand new carrier assembly with nearly zero backlash and failed bearings?

[@MegaDysart]

Jack Tradesman nearly zero? There’s a spec, there’s got to be some backlash. Find the spec, if it’s too far out you’ll have Noise.

[@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259]

My rear was making similar noise and an oil change solved the problem. I was on a road trip and didn't own a dial indicator thus didn't measure backlash.

[@robertarseneault8279]

I have a F150 2016 only 182.000km and i have that problem.. is look like a big problem with the Ford F150 a never have that problem with my Ford Ranger 4x4 XLT 2009 and i have 355.000km on its. Can you drive for long time with a hauling noise . like that's ???? 🤔🤔🤔 before readjusting the back lashes or change pinion abd ring Gear.....

[@MrSupernova111]

I'm confused about the differential. I'm looking everywhere for a maintenance schedule of differential fluid for my Honda Accord but I can't find anything. Where is the differential located in my car and should I be changing this fluid on regular intervals? Thanks!

[@emergencylowmaneuvering7350]

Google it.

[@MrMitokiller]

Its in the transmission on you4 car