Towing, Got a whinny rear axle this TSB should be of interest

[JERRYKAM]

Last week I brought my 06 2500 in for some warranty work (check engine light). Since it was in the shop I asked that the rear differential be checked. I explained that the differential has been whining since I bought it. The truck has 13,000 miles. For the first 10K miles I towed a 5000lb TT. Since then I have upgrated to a 9500Lb 5th wheel. When the dealer checked the differential they discovered that the left axle was bent. But that is another story. The story of interest for this thread is technical service bulletin 999925743. I have read many threads on this forum discussing complaints of whinny real axles along with many cautionary notes on using 75w140 synthetic gear oil vs the 75w90 called for in your owners manual. This TSB speaks to overheating concerns expressed by both dealers and owners alike. Quote "Rear axle seems to overheat while driving. Rear axle housing may be be too hot to touch. This is normal operation" unquote. I can personally attest to the fact that the real axle housing runs "hot". But there is more. Quote "normal axle operating temperature is 250-350 degrees" unquote. Lastly the TSB recommends using 75w140 GL5 synthetic oil for any vehicle used for towing. With my truck repaired and running 75w140 I was anxious to see if the whinning would be eliminated. Unfortunatly it was not, reduced yes but still there. At least I have some comfort in knowing that using 75w140 is the preferred lubricant and should offer additional protection over 75w90. More importantly the bent axle was replaced. If it had gone undetected complete failure of the axle bearings was just about guaranteed. Further Muphy's law says the failure will occur when I'm out in the desert, 110deg and 200 miles from nowhere.



Jerry K

 

[Whiskey]

Jerry,
Thanks for the info!
Is yours a DRW or SRW?

whiskey

 

[JERRYKAM]

The 2500 is only avalable with SRW. Interestling enough, my 2500 4x4 shares the same real axle as the 3500.

 

[rweis]

Put a temp sensor in the differential and you know exactely what the temp is. You can slow down just a small amount and effect the rear end temp significantly.



Bob Weis

 

[JERRYKAM]

I'm considering ordering a second temp probe for my TX gage to allow me to switch between the TX and differential.

 

[Andersonville]

What's the date on that TSB? I had my diff swithched to 75W140 and installed a Mag Hytec diff cover because of the hot differential housing. Mechanic was fixing my air bag line and burned his arm on the diff. I had only driven about 40 miles to get to the shop. It seems to be working okay and no whining.

 

[klenger]

The use of 75W140 conflicts with all other publised data that I have seen on the AAM axles. Is there a copy of this TSB online?

 

[Andersonville]

John Holmes on the "Diesel 101" site runs 75w140 in his diffs. There is a lot of great info on the Diesel 101.

 

[rubberneck]

Getting ready to install a maghytec on the 06, would also like to see the TSB using the 75-140. anybody have a link?

 

[Dieselnerd]

Until I see official documentation from DC I plan to stick with what my manual says. My axle doesn't whine and doesn't seem any hotter than the Dana 70 in my last TD truck.



I recently changed the fluids in both front and rear axles. The fluid still looked clean and there was very little metal "fuzz" on the magnets.

 

[Okie-Go]

At 23k on my truck I need to do this also. Hopefully I can swing the mag-hytec when I change out the fluid. Sure makes me wonder what to put back in the rear-end.

 

[KennethS]

My 06 2500 has a wine from the rear end

I talk to the shop the other day about it. I am taking it in next week for that. I was on a trip and did have my hearing aids and the wine was easy heard. I though my truck was the only one with a wine. I only got 5000 miles :{ on it.

 

[JERRYKAM]

DieselNerd,



If you want to read the TSB simply go to your Dodge dealer and ask them for a copy.