Rear end Diff Question
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 67
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From: Pembroke Pines Florida
Rear end Diff Question
I recently had my 02 six speed rear diff fluid changed. When the fluid was drained the fluid smelled terrible,really bad. The tech at the dealership said the rearend was fried. There has never been a rearend howl and I dont go to the dragstrip and race the car. Could this be true just based on the smell of the diff fluid?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,561
Likes: 447
From: Atlanta metro Ga.
Not really.. Every time I've ever changed transmission / differential fluid on ANY car, its always smelled pretty bad.
If you don't have any performance issues with the drivetrain, simply thank him for changing the fluids and move on.
If you don't have any performance issues with the drivetrain, simply thank him for changing the fluids and move on.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 179
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
it's the Getrag break-in grease. When I bought my new GM 3.42 carrier - it had never been filled with any fluid yet. All it had was the green break-in grease... and it SMELLED 
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 4
From: Slidell La
Make sure you added the GM posi lube when you changed. If the "tech" was telling you it was fried,, did he add the Posi Lube... If not, you will have chattering from the clutch plates,, then when you go back you could get an I told you so... The "tech" might just not have known to add the extra lube. It should be installed before the new oil is added to fill the differential
So just make sure the posi lube is added as per GM reco's. 99 Nassau Blue
So just make sure the posi lube is added as per GM reco's. 99 Nassau Blue
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,550
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From: Houston Texas
diff
Originally Posted by BuzzZo6
I recently had my 02 six speed rear diff fluid changed. When the fluid was drained the fluid smelled terrible,really bad. The tech at the dealership said the rearend was fried. There has never been a rearend howl and I dont go to the dragstrip and race the car. Could this be true just based on the smell of the diff fluid?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 8
From: Southwest Virginia
Originally Posted by XTrooper
Ask this "tech" if he's come across any sweet-smelling rearend grease? 
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 38
From: King George VA
That smell is normal and doesn't mean there is anything wrong with your diff. The smell is actually the anti-wear additives which are in diff fluid in much much higher levels than they are in tranny fluid or engine oil.
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. I think so. 
Resident moron
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,746
Likes: 20
From: Assachusetts
Originally Posted by 98Z51
That stuff smells bad even when it's new
No noise, no performance issues? Then keep driving with a smile.
Dope
