Rear differential

Tiny
JAMES HAMILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Passenger side. Rear tire is extremely hard to turn and differential bangs against underbody.
Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 AT 5:25 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

First, check to make sure the brake isn't locked. Remove the brake a caliper to see if that allows the wheel to turn.

If it doesn't, unbolt the axle at the differential (see attache picture). See if you can then turn it.

Let me know the results.

Joe
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Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 AT 7:46 PM
Tiny
JAMES HAMILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Okay, e-brake was locked. Differential still bangs and jumps.
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Thursday, December 20th, 2018 AT 12:24 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Welcome back:

Confirm that the CV joints in both rear axles are in good condition and not loose. Also, check and confirm that the universal joint on the driveshaft is good.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-u-joints-work

Also, make sure there isn't excessive play in the wheel / hub bearings.

Lets start with the simple things first. Also, let me know specifically when the issue happens as well as if anything changes it. I really want to eliminate the easy things before we dig into the differential. Make sure the differential fluid is full and clean.

Joe
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Thursday, December 20th, 2018 AT 5:50 PM

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