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05 rear differential noise
Posted: Wed May 02, 2012 8:40 pm
by Bluetree
Recently replaced both read wheel bearings on 05 AWD: $1500 +.
Now comes a whineing sound from the rear end, confirmed coming from differential. I'm getting tired (and poor) with these repairs on a 7-year-old car with less than 87,000 miles on it. Are these common issues?
Re: 05 rear differential noise
Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 4:09 am
by keithvibe
Have you had the rear diff fluid changed?
If not I suspect that is why it is making the noise it is now.
To answer your question it is common if: you don't maintain the fluids in the front and rear diff. It is also common if you changed one tire if that tire got a flat and was not fixable. With awd cars/suv you need to change at lease both tires if not all four.
Other than that no it is not normal.
Re: 05 rear differential noise
Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 5:58 am
by Salsa Guy
^X2 The rear seals have known seeping issues and over time the rear diff will leak all the fliud out. If you had someone change your oil they should have been checking the fluid level in the diff and transfer case. A quick lube place I've gone to for years didn't know the car 4WD/AWD until I insistent they check those fluids. The level was fine on both but the rear diff was seeping. A $200 repair with a fluid upgrade. They get inspect at every oil change now and I'm doing it myself.
You maybe able to find a rear diff from a junk yard just need to look for an AWD/4WD Vibe/Matrix
Re: 05 rear differential noise
Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 2:07 pm
by Bluetree
Mechanic changed the oil today; it was down a third and very dirty. For such an important function, the unit sure doesn't take much oil - at most a quart. Noise still there, but maybe reduced slightly. Looks like I'm the victim of lube places not checking the differential even though they say they check it. Even a used one costs over $2000 at a NY state used auto parts place. My garage won't consider opening it up - far too complex with the special tools needed, etc. GM doesn't even seem to carry repair kits for it, according to my mechanic, who called a dealer two or three times. Bummer; a big bill is on the horizon.
Re: 05 rear differential noise
Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 3:47 pm
by keithvibe
yes, usually it is a very large bill. 1500-3000k for a new one not including labor...
Have your mechanic call toyota... it's the same car as the matrix.
Re: 05 rear differential noise
Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 7:18 pm
by Salsa Guy
Sorry dude! I've seen some used diffs for $1.5K. Most Lube places never heard of a Vibe/Matrix and for it to be AWD/4WD is VERY rare.
Good Luck
Re: 05 rear differential noise
Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 4:54 am
by keithvibe
Did you have him change the front transfer case too?
Re: 05 rear differential noise
Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 2:28 pm
by Paramore
[quote="Bluetree"]
Recently replaced both read wheel bearings on 05 AWD: $1500 +.
Now comes a whineing sound from the rear end, confirmed coming from differential. I'm getting tired (and poor) with these led lights repairs on a 7-year-old car with less than 87,000 miles on it. Are these common issues?[/quote]
I had the same kind of an issue, and keeps bothering me like hell, so I have to take proper steps in resolving the issue as soon as possible