Like many others have mentioned, after installing the JXB bushing inserts I started hearing a very faint whooshing/scraping noise coming from the rear of the car. The noise is most noticeable around 25 mph and below while decelerating. If I add even the slightest amount of throttle, it quiets down.
I jacked the car up and checked the wheel bearings and they appear to be fine (no noticeable slop). The fact that the noise quiets with throttle seems to suggest the bearings may not be the issue.
Next was a diff fluid change. I didn’t find any chunks or large debris, but there did seem to be an abnormal amount of metallic in the fluid and on the plugs (pictures included). I replaced the fluid with Amsoil.
Over the last 1,000 miles of normal driving (highway miles, and no hard pulls), the noise seems to be getting louder. That said, it could also be that I’m just paying closer attention now and turning the stereo down to listen for it.
At this point, I think I’ve decided to just bite the bullet and order a new differential. I have access to a lift, so hopefully we can make quick work of the swap.
My question:
Does anyone know if there are additional parts typically needed when swapping the diff? I’m not concerned about torque-to-spec bolt replacement or standard hardware — I just want to make sure I have any commonly damaged or one-time-use items on hand ahead of time.
For example, when I did my downpipes, I had new studs and nuts ready just in case. I’m thinking along those same lines here because my time on the lift is limited.
Appreciate the help.
I jacked the car up and checked the wheel bearings and they appear to be fine (no noticeable slop). The fact that the noise quiets with throttle seems to suggest the bearings may not be the issue.
Next was a diff fluid change. I didn’t find any chunks or large debris, but there did seem to be an abnormal amount of metallic in the fluid and on the plugs (pictures included). I replaced the fluid with Amsoil.
Over the last 1,000 miles of normal driving (highway miles, and no hard pulls), the noise seems to be getting louder. That said, it could also be that I’m just paying closer attention now and turning the stereo down to listen for it.
At this point, I think I’ve decided to just bite the bullet and order a new differential. I have access to a lift, so hopefully we can make quick work of the swap.
My question:
Does anyone know if there are additional parts typically needed when swapping the diff? I’m not concerned about torque-to-spec bolt replacement or standard hardware — I just want to make sure I have any commonly damaged or one-time-use items on hand ahead of time.
For example, when I did my downpipes, I had new studs and nuts ready just in case. I’m thinking along those same lines here because my time on the lift is limited.
Appreciate the help.
