Differential noise from a standing start?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Differential noise from a standing start?
When starting from a standstill (even a slow start) in a straight line and for about a half second, my differential makes a fairly loud metallic noise. It only makes this noise from a standing start, it is quiet otherwise. Even when slowing down to an almost a complete crawl and then accelerating the rear end remains quiet. Car has just over 200 miles on it (and I have been very gentle on it). Weather here is 60+ so it is not related to cold conditions. It sure sounds like the differential clutch locking up, but I never expected it to be so loud.
Is this normal? I wonder if this a variation of the clutch pack issues others are having?
Is this normal? I wonder if this a variation of the clutch pack issues others are having?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,488
Likes: 27
From: Long Island NY
I wonder if you are hearing the common "clutch rattle" noise that most C6 owners (and even C5 owners from what I hear) seem to have.
When I start out from a start in my new C6 coupe, right after the clutch is engaged and I start accelerating, I hear a brief "rattle" or "grinding" type sound from the tranny / rear-end area, almost sounds like a mild "gear grind" sound... somewhat "metallic" in nature. Occurs usually between 800 - 900 rpm. Not excessively loud, but indeed noticeable.
Some on the forum have speculated that this noise is caused by the clutch disc itself, rattling between the limits of its dampener springs. Whatever it is, seems that many people experience the noise and it is considered "normal".
Not sure if this is the same noise you are hearing, but it might be... just some food for thought.
When I start out from a start in my new C6 coupe, right after the clutch is engaged and I start accelerating, I hear a brief "rattle" or "grinding" type sound from the tranny / rear-end area, almost sounds like a mild "gear grind" sound... somewhat "metallic" in nature. Occurs usually between 800 - 900 rpm. Not excessively loud, but indeed noticeable.
Some on the forum have speculated that this noise is caused by the clutch disc itself, rattling between the limits of its dampener springs. Whatever it is, seems that many people experience the noise and it is considered "normal".
Not sure if this is the same noise you are hearing, but it might be... just some food for thought.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,611
Likes: 5
From: Thousand Oaks California
Originally Posted by PKeith
When starting from a standstill (even a slow start) in a straight line and for about a half second, my differential makes a fairly loud metallic noise. It only makes this noise from a standing start, it is quiet otherwise. Even when slowing down to an almost a complete crawl and then accelerating the rear end remains quiet. Car has just over 200 miles on it (and I have been very gentle on it). Weather here is 60+ so it is not related to cold conditions. It sure sounds like the differential clutch locking up, but I never expected it to be so loud.
Is this normal? I wonder if this a variation of the clutch pack issues others are having?
Is this normal? I wonder if this a variation of the clutch pack issues others are having?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,488
Likes: 27
From: Long Island NY
Originally Posted by calemasters
My car had the same symptom. I thought it was the CV joint on the right half shaft. Turned out, the noise was at the hub where the splines on the axle shaft fit in to the hub. I disassembled, cleaned off some rust, lubed the splines and reassembled. The click noise on acceleration from a stop is now gone. Chevy dealer said this is common.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,611
Likes: 5
From: Thousand Oaks California
Originally Posted by Vet
Interesting. How many miles on your car when you did this? Since the C6 has only been around for a little over a year, I assume you don't have too many miles on yours. Wonder why this axle spline service was needed? Wonder why it rusted... sounds like it may not have been greased properly at the factory. Was the CV boot / seal damaged? I've never taken one apart... haven't even looked at one... but I'm curious.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,488
Likes: 27
From: Long Island NY
Originally Posted by calemasters
The clicking noise started at about 8,000 miles. The CV joints and boots were OK, is was just lack of grease on the splines. I ended up cleaning and greasing both left and right axle splines at the hubs.
Was this a tough job? Any "special" tools needed?
