Vehicle will not move forward

2002 CHEVROLET S-10
155,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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JUMPIT20
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  • 3 POSTS
Today while driving in 4th gear my truck started making a loud grinding noise, I tried shifting into another gear but the noise continued. Upon stopping I tested all gears 1-5 as well as reverse, gears 1-5 resulted in the loud grinding noise while reverse worked as always with no strange sound or feel. Next I tried putting my truck in first and releasing the clutch, my truck did not stall simply tried moving forward along with the loud grinding noise. An observer saw that my drive shaft was spinning just with little to no forward movement. This leads me to believe it is my rear differential not the transmission I would just like a second opinion. If any other information is needed I am more than happy to give it.
Mar 25, 2021 at 3:38 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If the driveshaft was turning and the vehicle wasn't moving, it has to be related to the rear differential or one of the axle splines. Something is stripped if it is grinding..

To get started, lift the rear off the ground (safely) and turn the wheels by hand. See if you hear the noise and if you can determine approximately where it is coming from.

Next, check for play in the pinion flange (where the driveshaft attaches). See pic 1

Next, remove the differential cover on the rear to drain the gear lube from the differential. Check for metal shavings or other contamination. see pic 2

If possible, take pics of what you find and upload them for me to see.

I will watch for your reply.

Take care,
Joe



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Mar 25, 2021 at 6:10 PM
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JUMPIT20
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Hi, thank you for your response. I really appreciate the second opinion. I’ve been on the fence about what it could be but have been leaning more towards my rear differential. I know it was going bad hence buying a new one recently. I am going to swap my rear and will take about the other one and upload pictures after. Thank you very much and have a great weekend.
Mar 26, 2021 at 8:54 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

You are very welcome. I don't know if you want them, but I attached the overhaul directions below.

Let me know how things turn out for you.

Joe

See pics below.
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Mar 26, 2021 at 6:32 PM
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JUMPIT20
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While I appreciate the pictures I’ve taken care of the problem already. New rear diff is in and good to go. The truck is driving great now and I’m not hearing any strange noises at any speeds thankfully. I’ve added some pictures of the old differential, turns out the bearing got ripped out somehow and just started tearing up the inside of the diff. The gear oil that was inside was like silver confetti glue (not sure how well the picture shows the color). Thank you so much for your assistance! Have a wonderful weekend.
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Mar 27, 2021 at 1:16 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi:
Thanks for letting me know. It's appreciated. And, what a mess. Your hand looks chrome in the second pic. LOL You would have had to buy everything new to rebuild it. You did it the best way possible.

Take care of yourself and feel free to come back any time in the future. You are always welcome here.

Joe
Mar 27, 2021 at 6:58 PM