Grinding Noise From Rear Diff

[GCecchetto]

Hello;



I noticed on my road trip this weekend that there seems to be a grinding noise/feeling coming from my rear diff. It happens only when letting the clutch out from a dead stop and is most noticable when turning. It doesn't happen after the clucth has engaged and there is no sign of it when making slow tight turns. It may not be the rear diff but I seem to remeber reading a post a while ago about the rear diffs making noise with some oils. My truck is an 04. 5 373 gears with Amsoil Series 2000 lube. Any info would be much appreciated.



Thanks



Gino

 

[BigGunZ]

Sounds very much like a U-joint. That would be the first thing I'd check.

 

[JCleary]

Hello;



I noticed on my road trip this weekend that there seems to be a grinding noise/feeling coming from my rear diff. It happens only when letting the clutch out from a dead stop and is most noticable when turning. It doesn't happen after the clucth has engaged and there is no sign of it when making slow tight turns. It may not be the rear diff but I seem to remeber reading a post a while ago about the rear diffs making noise with some oils. My truck is an 04. 5 373 gears with Amsoil Series 2000 lube. Any info would be much appreciated.



Thanks



Gino

Mine does the same thing, but only when towing a trailer. It started (or I noticed, not sure which) after I changed the diff lube.



I used the Mopar synthetic lubricant specified by the service manual.



I'm thinking about adding a friction modifier, even though the manual says our trucks do not need it.

 

[Cattletrkr]

Ditto on the u-joint(s). Check that first, it's easier to check.

 

[GCecchetto]

Thanks for the replies. The truck is still under warranty but there doesn't seem to be a dealer with a clue around here so I like to have enough info to direct them the right way. I guess it would be to much to ask DC to spend the extra 25 cents for grease zerks on the U-joints.



Gino

 

[VMF-113]

Gino,



I had the exact same symptoms with my 2003 Ram 3500 when running the Amsoil Series 2000 lube. One of our fellow readers suggested changing out the rear diff lube and using the Redline synthetic. He said it immediately fixed his problem. I tried it and it immediately took all the noise and chatter out of my rear end, too. Mine has been chatter and noise-free for over 60,000 miles now. I would suggest you try a simple change to the Redline.



In any event, please post your results so we can all benefit from your findings. Good luck to you!



Mark

"VMF-113"

 

[GCecchetto]

Thanks Mark, that's what I remeber hearing before on another thread. I'll give it a try and will post my results.



Gino

 

[JonathanBurk]

I had a similar instance on my 2003.



It was an automatic though, and the grinding would only happen when I let off the gas and coasted. When pressing the gas, it would go away.



After an hour of driving around the city it got worse, and worse, and worse, until finally it was grinding to the point that I thought the whole drivetrain was about to rip itself apart. Massive jerks.



About this time I was limping to my apartment and had to get it towed the next morning.



Cause: pinion nut backed off the gears. They re-tightened and it was all good for another 30K miles when I traded it in.

 

[kmcdonough]

I had the same problem after I changed my rear diff fluid on my '03 using Amsoil. I subsequently added the limited slip additive I bought from the dealer and the chatter/grinding noise went away. I am due for another fluid change and am noticing the noise again, although not as pronounced. I'm wondering if the additive breaks down after a period of time or mileage.

Kevin McD.

 

[DPKetchum]

Eaither add a bottle of additive or next change use Amsoil Severe Gear.