Corvette Z06 Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Rear Differential Whine

Jump to Latest
13K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  seamus2154  
W
#1 ·
I had a rear differential leak in my 2002 Z06 about two months ago at 35,000 miles. The rear differential is stock and I do not race the car other than occasional hard acceleration. The leak was repaired by a local Corvette shop. I drove the car about 2000 miles 70-80 mph and started noticing a whining noise coming from the rear of the car while under acceleration, whining stops when not under load. As I was traveling I called a Corvette shop in San Diego and he diaganosed the problem as the rear differential. I drove another 350 miles and went to a Chevrolet dealer to have the differential check out and maybe have the fluids changed.

The dealer confirmed that the problem was with the rear differential and noted that the fluid contained golden metal flakes. I had the dealer change the rear differential fluid and add friction modifier. After I got the car back the whining was reduced but still noticeable. I then drove the car 800 miles back home with the whining more noticeable as time went on. I got home without incident.

I am assuming I will have to change the rear differential but am wondering what caused the problem. Any insight into what might have caused the rear differential problem and the best way to fix it would be appreciated.

Thanks,
 
2
#2 ·
I have a 2002 z also and I have been thru the same ordeal. The leak caused your problem, low oil burned up your ring and pinion, Rockland Standard repaired mine 3 times before they got it correct, They did a crap job the first 2 times and then they charged me again and got it right. I wasnt happy for the extra charge but it is very quite now, If they had done it correct the first time I would say call them, But to each his own!!
 
W
#3 ·
Turns out the rear differential housing is shot. Apparently a bearing went bad and caused movement inside the differential which chewed up a brass bushing. This was the source of the yellow metal in the differential oil.

I am now looking for a used 3.42 rear differential to keep the replacement cost down. If anyone has one available, contact me.
 
S
#5 ·
With the amount of issues I have read w/ guys having the rear differential rebuilt by numerous vendors, I would consider buying a brand new one from GM. I have seen them on Fleabay and w/ some vendors for only 1600 dollars. You get a whole new rear this way, and can break it in correctly. My 2 cents. Good luck
 
T
#4 ·
The leak did not necessarily cause the problem. If the fluid level got low enough due to the leak then the low fluid level may have caused the problem but I think the ring & pinion would have probably been damaged before the bearing. My guess is the bearing was defective.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
Corvette Z06 Forum
posts
1.4M
members
51K
Since
2001
We’re a forum community dedicated to the Chevy Z06 Corvette. Come check out discussions on performance, specifications, modifications, purchasing, maintenance and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
C5 Z06 - Grandstand C5 Z06 - Pit Road Member Sales/Trades - Parts & Cars C6 Z06 - Pit Road C6 Z06 - Grandstand