Differential Problems and Questions
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Differential Problems and Questions
A while back I posted of having some noise from the rear end under certain conditions, i.e., car sitting on a grade. I received replys to check the front differential mount, etc. Checked the mount, U-Joints, and bearings. Everything ok. Car ran fine for about 200 miles until yeaterday.
Yesterday, while stopped on an uphill grade and attempting to move forward, got the same clunking noise, and this time the car would not move at all. Put it in reverse and was able to move. Put it back in first and slowly let the clutch out and was able to go forward. Drove on to a fairly level road, stopped at a couple of stop signs - no problems. The clunking noise sounds like metal parts jamming together.
Checked everyting out again today and the only think I noticed was, when I had the rear end jacked up with the wheels hanging free, the right side yoke was out of the differential by about a 1/2". The left side yoke stayed all the way in.
Could I have lost the 'C' clip from the end of the yoke and it is jamming the gears on occasion, or would the 'C' clip just get ground up? Does anyone have any ideas before I take the carrier out? Anything else to look for if/when I remove the carrier?
Yesterday, while stopped on an uphill grade and attempting to move forward, got the same clunking noise, and this time the car would not move at all. Put it in reverse and was able to move. Put it back in first and slowly let the clutch out and was able to go forward. Drove on to a fairly level road, stopped at a couple of stop signs - no problems. The clunking noise sounds like metal parts jamming together.
Checked everyting out again today and the only think I noticed was, when I had the rear end jacked up with the wheels hanging free, the right side yoke was out of the differential by about a 1/2". The left side yoke stayed all the way in.
Could I have lost the 'C' clip from the end of the yoke and it is jamming the gears on occasion, or would the 'C' clip just get ground up? Does anyone have any ideas before I take the carrier out? Anything else to look for if/when I remove the carrier?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
Likes: 174
From: WI
Re: Differential Problems and Questions (glen242)
glen,
It sounds like you lost more than just the c-clip, like the end of the yoke is worn away and all that metal has been grinding your bearings into JUNK. Pull it out and prepare for a rebuild. ...redvetracr
It sounds like you lost more than just the c-clip, like the end of the yoke is worn away and all that metal has been grinding your bearings into JUNK. Pull it out and prepare for a rebuild. ...redvetracr
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: High Ridge MO
Re: Differential Problems and Questions (glen242)
Removing the differential is not too bad of a job.
When you go back together consider using remanufactured
axles that have hardened ends. My axles were worn into the
snap ring with only 80k miles on the odometer.
When you go back together consider using remanufactured
axles that have hardened ends. My axles were worn into the
snap ring with only 80k miles on the odometer.
Racer
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
From: Merritt Island Florida
Re: Differential Problems and Questions (glen242)
I had identical symptons. When i opened the rear 3 ring gear bolts were floating free and all the rest were loose. It made horrible noises and would prevent the car from moving. I put it all back together and it worked fine. I never knew why they worked out in the first place. Good Luck. Tom75 :chevy
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Re: Differential Problems and Questions (tom75)
I hope that something like that is my problem. I still will probably have to replace the yokes because of end play. I should have the carrier out tomorrow.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Re: Differential Problems and Questions (tom75)
With the help of Gary S, we got the rear end out today. Found loose ring gear bolts. 2 were in the bottom of the case along with what was left of a 'C' clip. Carrier had gouges in it and a couple of bolt holes were elongated. One of the grade 8 bolts was broken and really chewed up. The unit is in the shop for a rebuild $$. Lots of new parts.
The shop guy told me he does a lot of these. According to him, no Locktite was used on the bolts at the factory and the posi additive contributes to the bolts loosening, even though there are lock washers on the bolts. Every one of the still installed bolts was only finger tight. Car has about 46,000 miles on it.
The shop guy told me he does a lot of these. According to him, no Locktite was used on the bolts at the factory and the posi additive contributes to the bolts loosening, even though there are lock washers on the bolts. Every one of the still installed bolts was only finger tight. Car has about 46,000 miles on it.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,163
Likes: 3,965
From: Connecticut, USA
Re: Differential Problems and Questions (glen242)
Interesting, I heard of this happening on a 79 too. I have the complete differential from that car still. When I disassembled the 69 and 72 last Winter the bolts were still tight,maybe something changed in the mid 70's on the"line"? I use Red loctite and torque the bolts to 55#'s.
Where are you going to get a new carrier? eaton makes replacements with fiber clutches now I think they're around $450? I haven't used the fiber clutches so I can't say how they work and hold up. The steel ones are still available too.
Good luck,
Gary
Where are you going to get a new carrier? eaton makes replacements with fiber clutches now I think they're around $450? I haven't used the fiber clutches so I can't say how they work and hold up. The steel ones are still available too.
Good luck,
Gary
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 10,896
Likes: 2
From: CO
Re: Differential Problems and Questions (gtr1999)
The bad thing is that these rear ends cost too much.
Had to replace yolks and diff a while ago. Same thing. The end of the yolks had worn past the C-clips. What a PITA and costly too. :mad
Had to replace yolks and diff a while ago. Same thing. The end of the yolks had worn past the C-clips. What a PITA and costly too. :mad
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Re: Differential Problems and Questions (gtr1999)
Shop guy is getting the carrier for me. He specializes in Corvette rear ends and has quite a supply of various parts on hand. Don't know if he has to order the carrier or if he has it in stock.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Re: Differential Problems and Questions (glen242)
Picked my differential up on Friday. The only original things left were the gears and the case. The cover had a hole in it from one of the bolts. Looked like someone shot it with a .22.
The price was reasonable, I think, considering the amount of parts and work done. Very professional work. The garage specializes in nothing but differentials, transmissions, and trailing arms. He gets pieces in from all over the country to be rebuilt. If anyone wants more details, E-Mail me.
The price was reasonable, I think, considering the amount of parts and work done. Very professional work. The garage specializes in nothing but differentials, transmissions, and trailing arms. He gets pieces in from all over the country to be rebuilt. If anyone wants more details, E-Mail me.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA
Re: Differential Problems and Questions (glen242)
if i wasnt planning on selling my vette id sell you my 3.55 rearend for like $500. but i need em incase the buyer want to be able to go on the highway. :lol: sorry
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Re: Differential Problems and Questions ('79ProwlerOrange)
if i wasnt planning on selling my vette id sell you my 3.55 rearend for like $500. but i need em incase the buyer want to be able to go on the highway. :lol: sorry
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Re: Differential Problems and Questions ('79ProwlerOrange)
Cuz i didnt scroll down wise azz! :lol: :jester
:cheers:
:cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA
Re: Differential Problems and Questions (glen242)
damn i was joking arround... some people can be so touchy... wow sorry. look at the squirrel in my sig... im doin the happy dance, im doin the happy dance... :D :jester
