Whining diff

[2000 XJ]

Hi Guys

My diff is making some noise, so I’ve pulled out the rubber fill bung and dipped the oil it’s quite metallic, I’m going to drop the pan and check out the internals.

What oil would you recommend? I just need need to nurse it though until I find another diff.

There doesn’t seem to be any play in the pinion and the seal isn’t leaking.
Maybe it could last for years yet?

Do you guys drive around with this whine?

Cheers Andrew


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[Jimmyb]

Is it whining on accelleration or de-celleration?

[2000 XJ]

It seems to be both and not really a whine, more of a constant grumble which I thought could be wheel bearings but I looked at them and seem fine, the warrant guy also said wheel bearings ok, noise from diff.
Can’t see any play in the pinion from the input end, so maybe main bearings or worn gears? LSD still good.
Will see what I find when I take of the pan.


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[Classic Boy]

Pinion bearings tend to be the source of most diff whining.

[awg]

Originally Posted by 2000 XJ

Hi Guys

There doesn’t seem to be any play in the pinion and the seal isn’t leaking.
Maybe it could last for years yet?

Do you guys drive around with this whine?

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Is it a Dana 35, and how many kms on it...and do you know if it has done much towing ?

D35 is a marginal diff, and they wear out by ~200k, all the bearings

If you take it to an experienced diff specialist, they can usually tell you after a free 5min test drive what is causing the noise

Even though they will probably say you need a rebuild, it still might last a long time

with regard to used Dana 35s..be aware..good luck finding one that isnt worn out

I think some of the later models had Chrysler diffs

[2000 XJ]

Hi

It’s got 180k on it and has been used for towing!

I’m sourcing another diff anyway and will rebuild the original.

Yes it’s a 35 just want it to last long enough to replace.

Cheers


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[JeanLuke]

Pinion bearings tend to whine while carrier bearings tend to grumble. If you have only just noticed it, it probably has thousands of kilometres in it before it dies. The other tell-tail is pinion bearings tend to whine on deceleration or acceleration depending on which one is whining. Grumbling all the time points to carrier or wheel bearings. I'd look at the wheel bearings first, but at 180k with towing the diff will be due for some TLC.