Severe diff noise

Posted by africapackard On 2012/5/2 13:02:52

Hi Packard people

I replaced my rear brake components recently and this entailed removing the brake backing plates and setting the rear wheel bearing end play. Brakes are now good. I inadvertently removed one half shaft and it came out of the splines in the diff. Hope this did not mess up my diff? What is the story with the thrust block?

I also topped up the differential with 80/90 weight gearbox oil. There were very little oil in the diff. I now know that one actually needs 140 weight.

And now the diff is Extremely noisy on the overrun and the oil is leaking out heavily at the pinion seal in front. Obviously the seal is shot.

I have no experience with differentials and cant believe that the wrong weight oil can cause that amount of noise? It starts of as a howling on overrun when the diff is cold and becomes a bad growling noise when the diff gets hot - and it does get hot! Cant drive it like that at all!

Any ideas? I read the procedures in the manual, but I must say I am a bit apprehensive to touch the diff. I also see that parts online is very expensive - for example bearings and seals. Never mind if your gears are buggered then you have to sell your house!

Thanks for any words of encouragement - I this car does not want to be driven anymore!

Regards
Barrie