Rear Differential Whine

[Razzmaniac]

My '07 Xterra has 100k miles on it. According to the Carfax report, the previous owner had the differential replaced/overhauled at a Nissan dealer at 70k miles. Ive only had the truck for a few weeks, just recently drove on the highway. Noticed a faint whine from the rear end between 50-70mph. Goes away when I accelerate and decelerate. Had a slight leak by the front pinion seal and my mechanic changed the fluid which was light brown and frothy. He pulled the vent tube and cleaned out and found no sign of grit or chunks. Did some highway driving today, still have slight whine but no leak now. Is the Whine anything to be too concerned with or could this just be a vibration thing? Planning on having him pull the cover off and check the gears for wear and damage. . .

 

[drbandkgb]

Bump for ideas

 

[Razzmaniac]

Eh?? sorry. . .new to the thread thing. And yes, I need help. Ive heard that people have had the whine for years and hasn't gotten worse. . .

 

[ahefner]

If it changes or gets worse i would be concerned. It only takes a few minutes to check out the diff gears. Also make sure to use the right gear oil, 75/90 I believe. The noise could also be tires. Might try rotating them and also make sure the tires all the same size. Bought a used car once and the two tires were different sizes and caused weird issues.

 

[Razzmaniac]

Thanks. All new tires. . . deff the Differential because it disappears when I let off or accelerate the gas between those speeds

 

[metzican]

I remember reading about people having whines on the other site. I don't really recall the reason for it. I would check the end seals and make sure they are not leaking. If I get more time later on I will relook it up for you and see what they said. But if I remember right some X's had it some did not. I don't think it ended bad for anyone.

 

[metzican]

Well I did some research. Some people say its the pinion bearing. Some say they ignored it and went another 60-200k on it. While others brought it to the dealership and got it replace, Some Bought a new/used rear end and put it in. So basically I would just try to ignore it for now and if it gets worst then decide what you want to do.

http://www.thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=57971&page=2

 

[Razzmaniac]

Thanks Met. . . Ive read to that most people just ignored it. Its a new or rebuilt Diff anyway, only 30k miles on it. Since the vent tube was cleaned and the CORRECT oil put in, it hasn't leaked yet. . .My mechanic treats me well so if I HAD to, the bearings can be changed out. We're gonna keep an eye on it and hope for the best. HA!!!

 

[metzican]

Here is a solution. Just put some mud terrains on it and you won't here the whine anymore.

Anyways good luck, Hope you can get 200k out of it.

 

[Razzmaniac]

a week since the vent tube cleaned and correct oil changed in the differential and no leak. whoot!! also, no loose bearing or grinding, just still the faint whine between 50-65mph.

 

[Razzmaniac]

UPDATE!!!!! After dealing with the rear end whine since I bought the truck, there has always been a very slight leak in the pinion seal. So many places told me I would need a new rear diff. . . took it to the dealer to replace the seal, and the head mechanic said it was just a threading issue. So obviously he did the correct threading while replacing the seal and NO MORE WHINE!!!!! WHOOT!!!!!

 

[metzican]

good to hear it got fixed.

I don't know much about this type of work. What do you mean by Threading issue?

 

[robcarync]

I always like when you get to see something close the loop.

So many times I have searched for issues...only to find the perfect thread describing my exact symptoms...

then...

dead


NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! What was the problem?!?!?!?!