1999 Durango Differential

I have a 99 Durango with about 104K miles. There has been a noise from
the rear end for some time and the Dealer "thinks" something is going
in in the rear end. but will need to tear the diff apart to determine,
which seems logical; however, I would like to be certain before I go
to the expense, which they estimate around a grand. Has anyone
experienced a differential problem and if so could you describe what
was happening i.e., noise, etc and the outcome. The noise in my truck
seems to be getting louder.

Well noise that is getting worse isn't good.
It could be anything. Bad bearings, gears losing teeth, lot's of
possibilities.
How does the noise behave when you change speeds? Does it get louder as
speed rises? Louder under power or coast?
Changes when turning?

A grand to tear down and rebuild isn't bad. If the rest of the vehicle
is in good shape I would do it.

--
Steve W.

First thing is to drain the oil from it into a *clean* container and
examine the oil for contamination such as metallic particles. A
professional analysis may be worth the cost too...

Most diff noise is bearings going out, usually because people don't
regularly check the diff oil level and the seal on the pinion leaks.

Just pulling the cover off can usually tell you what's up, without
having the tear down the entire thing.

--
I'm never going to grow up.

--
This message was transcribed by Google, on a 'Droid... So please excuse the
spelling mistakes.


Good Post Peter,

no offense to those who work at dealerships, but I think it is insane to
have a dealer do this at $100 per hour, when there is probably a specialist
for axels near you, does it all day everyday, and is much cheaper and
reliable.

Just FYI, unrelated to dodge as such, but my Mazda alternator is going bad,
new belts squeals like hell when you start it, and again when you turn on
the A/C or heater now.  New alternator from chain store is 150 (Oreilly).
Dealer?  I haven't called one, but my guess is everything I have bought for
the Pacifica, dealer's charged half again more.  Went and called the local
Generator rebuilding place, which we use for farm machinery in the past so I
knew better...  They quoted me, if worst case rebuild scenario rebuild,
price is less than 75 bucks.  Guess which one I am doing this weekend?



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