Rear Differential Replacement Vs Repair
If you call this unpredictable climate home, you know all too well that the difference between arriving safely and becoming stranded at the mercy of a blizzard often lies in the details – specifically, the condition of your vehicle's rear differentials.
Read on as we delve into the essentials of your vehicle’s rear differentials, the warning signs to look for, the different types of rear differential replacement or repair that exist, and finally, how to determine if the investment of a repair is worth it.
Remember, attending to your vehicle isn't just a matter of maintenance but of safety, performance, and peace of mind on winter roads.
Rear Differentials: A High-Level Overview
Rear differentials allow two tries to rotate at different rates while moving in the same direction.
The differential delivers an equal amount of torque to each wheel so they can react to any differential resistance while also generating traction. The differential can adjust each tire’s speed individually by employing resistance.
When you round a corner, for example, your outer wheel must travel quicker than your inside wheel. This is handled by your differentials.
Depending on the vehicle, your differentials may be part of the front or back axle system - or both. For example, if you have a 4-wheel drive SUV, you will have a front and rear differential.
Differentials may be classified into three types - Open Differential, Limited-Slip Differential, and Torque-Vectoring Differential.
A Tip from the Pros: If you have a vehicle with AWD (all-wheel drive), ensure that your vehicle's tires have matching diameters and are inflated to the proper PSI. This isn't just a detail - it's a critical safeguard against vehicular stress and strain that leads to transfer case or differential failure.
5 Warning Signs Your Rear Differential Needs Attention
Let’s not mince words: if your rear differential breaks while you're driving, you might lose all power and control - which can be very dangerous.
The plus side is that, if your vehicle needs a rear differential repair or replacement, your vehicle will usually give warning signs. To avoid the worst-case scenario, look for the following signals:
When accelerating: whining noises and steady vibrations that get worse
When decelerating: whirring noises
When turning: whirring noises that change
When you start moving your vehicle: clunking noises
At the site of your axle seals: leaking
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to get your vehicle diagnosed and look at your repair or replacement options.
From Minor to Major: An Overview of Differential Repair Types
If your rear differential fails, it may require one or more of the following repairs. Let’s break it down into oil leak and non-oil leak repairs:
Leak repairs: replacement of gasket, pinion seal, or side seal (ranked here from least complex to most complex)
Non-leak repairs: bearing or gear replacement, up to complete differential replacement.
Like any other part of your vehicle, maintenance is the key to lasting vehicle performance. Your differential fluid should be changed every 40-60,000 miles, as it gets dirty and breaks down.
With regular maintenance, your differential could last as long as your vehicle.
Rear Differential Replacement and Repair: Is It Worth It?
Your budget, your mechanic's advice, and the specifics of your vehicle and needed repairs should situation determine whether to replace or repair your rear differential.
A simple fix to keep your automobile running is nothing compared to a replacement. That said, replacements and extensive repairs can cost thousands— so are they worth it? A few points to keep in mind:
Consider the cost: The simple fact is that the cost of every repair will vary. Some repairs are simple, and others are complicated, taking several hours and specialized tools.
Repairs can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,500. To replace a differential entirely, you could be looking at up to $4,000.
Part of considering the cost is reviewing any warranty coverage you may have that could offset it. It may also be possible to find a used assembly for half the price (and still under warranty).Consider the resale value: If your vehicle is otherwise in good shape and it’s an in-demand model, a higher repair or replacement investment might be worth it. You might need to replace or upgrade other parts of your vehicle, as well, and that can detract from your vehicle’s value.
Consider the bigger picture: If your differential needs repair - what’s the impact on the attached parts? Do your transmission, driveshaft, and axles need repair, too?
Consider your vehicle’s age and mileage: What’s a realistic picture of how long you have been with your vehicle? Is it worth expensive repairs (or replacing parts) when your vehicle is 10 years old, and the odometer’s approaching 200K? What other repairs will it likely need?
Consider your own wants and lifestyle: Do you want to keep this vehicle, or is it time for a change? If your vehicle no longer matches your lifestyle, it might be time to trade it in and let it go.
The Bottom Line
Your vehicle is full of intricately connected systems that rely on each other to keep running safely, and an issue in one system can affect your entire vehicle and create even more problems.
Professional diagnostic systems can find the source of your vehicle's problem and allow your mechanic to repair it quickly.
A professional can help you assess if it's worth it to invest in rear differential replacement or repair your vehicle needs.
It’s important not to delay - getting your vehicle assessed by a professional at the first sign of trouble will help prevent additional damage (and the cost that comes with it). So, keep that list of trouble signs we provided top of mind.
At Midwest Transmission, we put safety first. That’s why we remanufactured a full line of differentials, each backed by our 2-year unlimited mile warranty, so why not put our expertise to work for you? Contact us today if you want your rear differentials to get our professional assessment.