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Old Jul 27, 2013 | 06:30 PM
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Default Differential question

2004, 60K miles, stock 3.15, auto, driven "normally".

Symptom: At < than 5 mph, when turning the wheel I can feel a little vibration through the wheel. I can also hear a low level clacking/clicking noise. At speed I can't feel or hear anything abnormal.

Diagnosis: It's felt that the limited slip clutches are the culprit.

Resolution: R/R differential (10 hrs. labor @ $95 per), send to diff shop for specific diagnosis and to deem what parts are needed to repair it ($500 to ? for parts).

It was asked if it was "your" car what would you do? Answer: If I had the money I'd fix it, if I didn't I'd leave it. Although, if there's a failure it could do more damage (worse case - diff case not re-useable).

What advice could you offer me so I can hopefully make the right choice?

Thanks !
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Old Jul 27, 2013 | 06:42 PM
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Only when turning?

Have u changed the fluid yet? Or if you did recently is there the correct limited slip additive?

If its not making noise and is very slight and only at slow turning speed- just wait till it gets worse if fluid doesn't fix it is what I'd do. It'll make noise before it breaks.
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Old Jul 27, 2013 | 06:57 PM
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You have a 3.15 so just buy a 3.42 set up used for half that(or new for what they quoted you). Enjoy car now, when it blows upgrade the diff and enjoy it more.

To be clear you are feeling the vibration through your steering wheel on a rear wheel drive car and suspect the diff? That doesn't add up to me. Like others have said change the fluid and keep going its separate from you trans so if you blow it up who cares.
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Old Jul 27, 2013 | 07:24 PM
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The fluid/additive was changed @ 50K. I thought it was something in the steering system.
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Old Jul 27, 2013 | 07:59 PM
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I would think that if you are feeling it in the steering wheel that it would be in the front of the vehicle. Just my opinion!
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Old Jul 27, 2013 | 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Tim04C5
2004, 60K miles, stock 3.15, auto, driven "normally".
...
It was asked if it was "your" car what would you do? Answer: If I had the money I'd fix it, if I didn't I'd leave it. Although, if there's a failure it could do more damage (worse case - diff case not re-useable).
Leaving aside the whole question of whether the diagnosis is correct, I would think the worst-case is that the limited-slip stops being limited-slip. On a "normally driven" car in SoCal, is this actually a problem?

(Random digression #1: Is the additive in the diff oil there to make the LS clutches work or to keep them from destroying themselves?)

(Random digression #2: Am I the only one who thinks limited-slip and ABS-based traction control are redundant for street use?)

Last edited by Lee DeRaud; Jul 27, 2013 at 09:02 PM.
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Old Jul 27, 2013 | 09:18 PM
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1 both. If it doesn't work it can tear itself apart
2- can't say. I personally like my ls

Tim- do u do all your own work or a does a shop?
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Old Jul 27, 2013 | 10:56 PM
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Mine had the same symptoms not too long ago. It turned out to be a front bearing going out. Had the hub replaced and all is good now.
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Old Jul 28, 2013 | 12:03 AM
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I'm having a shop do the work. Thanks for the suggestions. I know it can be difficult to do this over the internet, just trying to see what experiences others may have had..
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