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Testing Diff Clutches

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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 05:56 AM
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Default Testing Diff Clutches

Is there anyway to test rear differential clutch packs without disassembling the diff for inspection?

I'm going over my Z06 before I start driving it this season. When I pulled the rear wheels off I noticed my left rear tire was worn much more than my right rear. Then I remembered one burn out I did where I had rubber on the left rear quarter panel but not so much on the right rear. I'm wondering if my diff is not locking properly. No diff noise, 60k miles, fluid looked clean when I drained it.

Anyway to test it?

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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 06:04 PM
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 07:27 PM
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Well I don't know an official procedure but if I were you I would at least put down a water patch and do a burnout. Verify that both tires are spinning. Short of that I would call RPM Transmissions and get there advice!
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 08:21 PM
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Jack up only one rear wheel, car in neutral, all brakes off. Put a torque wrench on the axle nut and measure the force needed to turn the wheel. If the wheel turns easily the limited slip is not working.

I have not seen a spec for the proper torque needed to turn the Getrag diff but I believe it was around 70 ft lb for the old posi's. (If memory serves, it has been a long time since I worked on a 12 bolt posi.)
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 08:27 PM
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Did you drain the fluid before or after the issue? What type of oil did you end up using?
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 08:49 PM
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Originally Posted by AllVette
Jack up only one rear wheel, car in neutral, all brakes off. Put a torque wrench on the axle nut and measure the force needed to turn the wheel. If the wheel turns easily the limited slip is not working.

I have not seen a spec for the proper torque needed to turn the Getrag diff but I believe it was around 70 ft lb for the old posi's. (If memory serves, it has been a long time since I worked on a 12 bolt posi.)

Thats the procedure that I was told also

BC
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
Thats the procedure that I was told also

BC
But a big burnout would be much more fun!!
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 09:07 PM
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Originally Posted by vsocks1
But a big burnout would be much more fun!!
Unless there really is something wrong with the diff and you ended up with diff parts all over the ground....
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 09:08 PM
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You would NEVER catch me ever doing a burnout:





Now that was FUN!

BC
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 09:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
You would NEVER catch me ever doing a burnout:





Now that was FUN!

BC
Guess your diff was working fine and passed the test!
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Old Apr 6, 2009 | 09:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Eric D
Unless there really is something wrong with the diff and you ended up with diff parts all over the ground....
Really the fastest way to shake it all out!
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Old Apr 7, 2009 | 06:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Eric D
Did you drain the fluid before or after the issue? What type of oil did you end up using?
I just drained the fluid last weekend. It looked fairly clear. I was going to replace it with the stock GM fluid & friction modifier.

When jacked up, in neutral, and I turn one wheel it turns fairly stiffly but nowhere near 70 ft.lbs. The opposite wheel turns in the same direction which I know is correct for a limited slip diff. Both wheels have the same tension. It would be nice to know what torque is "correct" for the Getrag.
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