Grinding and squealing noises when braking?

GODISGOOD2ME2023

MEMBER
2004 DODGE DURANGO
4.7L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
134,944 MILES

I’ve been hearing grinding and squealing noises when braking. The mechanic told me that it was my rear differential causing this issue I was having. He quoted me a price for a rebuild.

I’ve never had differential service done before. Would that be something I need to have done first to see if it helps with the noise I’m hearing?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thursday, June 15th, 2023 AT 5:44 PM

5 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
50,622 POSTS

Once the differential starts making noise it is too late for a service but usually it will not make grinding and squealing noises. Are you sure it is not one of the rear brakes causing the problem? Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so I can hear the noise? That way I can tell for sure what's going on. You can upload it here with your response. This guide can help you raise the car and remove the tires for inspection:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/wheel-removal-and-re-installation

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Please go over these guides and get back to us.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Friday, June 16th, 2023 AT 9:45 AM

GODISGOOD2ME2023

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I took it to the auto repair shop that did my brakes last year. They told me pads and rotors looked great. They seem to think it’s the differential. I’m not sure what the problem is. I’ll probably take it someplace else to get a second opinion about this before making any repairs. I’ve attached a video clip that was recorded from my security camera.

Video (Click to make bigger)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Friday, June 16th, 2023 AT 10:17 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
50,622 POSTS

Thanks for the video, it helps. That sounds definitely like brake noise. Did you check the rear brakes and parking brake shoes as well? Check out the images (below). Please let us know what you find.

Images (Click to make bigger)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Saturday, June 17th, 2023 AT 9:32 AM

GODISGOOD2ME2023

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I was told by another auto mechanic shop that my brakes are in excellent shape. The noise is coming from the rear axle bearings.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Thursday, June 22nd, 2023 AT 4:03 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
50,622 POSTS

Did they check the parking brake? To do this you must remove the the rear rotors. please check out this video of the job being done on a similar vehicle; the process is the same.

https://youtu.be/uo1RnATyEok

And this video shows how to do the axle bearing if you need it:

https://youtu.be/zarxKsspr3s

Please go over these guides and get back to us.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Friday, June 23rd, 2023 AT 10:25 AM