Howl in the 3:73 Rear-end

[Perrysburg_Dodgeboy]

2004 2500 Q/Cab Auto

:{

Just picked up my truck from the dealer and was told they changed out the gear lube and installed the anti-slip additive. After about 3 miles of driving the howl came back. I only notice it from 15 mph to 30 mph, with it very loud at 20/25. My kids even say “make it due the siren noise Dad”. It seems to me, the sound is coming from the right side, maybe an axle bearing? I don’t get any clunking noises and if I turn to the left the sound stops.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[DGFoster]

Don't know why they would add additive,since there are no clutches in the AAM axle,unlike the Dana 80. .

these axles do not need additives. .



Someone correct me if I am wrong. .

 

[rbattelle]

Foster's right... don't need the limited slip additive. And as far as I know the additive won't cure a howl, it'll only cure clutch chatter (someone correct me if I'm wrong).



There are many causes of axle howl (most of which I can't speak intelligently about). One of the biggest (I think) is pinion angle. If the pinion gear isn't meshing with the ring gear properly you'll get a howl.



The fact that the sound disappears with a left turn, however, makes me suspect the passenger-side axle bearing. You should be able to check the condition of the gears by pulling the diff cover. Check the fluid that comes out to be sure it doesn't have any metal in it. If there is metal, it could be coming from a bad bearing (not bad) or from the differential itself (very bad).



If I were you I'd probably replace the bearings and see what that does. Or if you're under warranty make the dealer fix it!



-Ryan

 

[J&LRam]

DON

there is a TSB 03-004-04 on axle whine on 4x2,2500 series,140. 5 inch wheelbase trucks with engine code ETC/ETH and an auto trans sales ,code DG8. The whine is in the 35-70 mph range and has a drive shaft change as a fix... ..... JIM

 

[RDempsey]

Mine had a loud howl at 30-35 and again at 65-70. They replaced the ring and pinion and so far it hasn't come back. Replaced at 7,000 and I have 22,000 on it now.



04 2500 QC LWB 6speed 3. 73

 

[roperteacher]

Welcome to the club!! Mine had to have the entire rear end rebuilt at 2200 miles! Since then it was BETTER, but not completely gone. Dealer said to give it a few 1,000 miles and at 22000 it is GONE for good! The only time mine would do it is between 68-70 MPH. Now its finally broke in I guess. I have been using different fluids AMSOIL, VALVOLINE etc in the diff to get the best one. I switched to Mobil1 and it took the last bit of noise away!

 

[Perrysburg_Dodgeboy]

Thanks Guys for all the good info. We are still under warranty and will be taking it back. I think (hope really) that it’s just the axle bearing, as I had the diff. rebuilt in my 02 1500 @ 7000. 0 and it was going back out @ 23,000 when I traded it in. I failed to mention that the truck has the posi-trac rear end. We are going to Florida over Christmas towing our travel trailer hope we make it. If not we’ll have some place to sleep. :-laf

Everyone Have A Merry and Safe Christmas and New Year

 

[DGFoster]

Dont forget to take that TSB that J&L Ram mentioned above. .



Merry Christmas. .