Differential Service and Repair

Does your vehicle make a howling noise going down the road?  Does the howl change or stop when you let off the gas (especially after shifting to a lower gear)?  Does the noise stop completely when you give the vehicle just enough gas so that the engine power is not enough to keep the vehicle from slowing?  Is there gooey fluid leaking near where the drive shaft attaches or leaking onto the inside of the rear tires?  Then you may need differential service.

When going around a corner, the differential is the mechanism that allows the driving wheel on the outside of the corner to travel farther and faster than the inner driving wheel.  All vehicles have a differential.  Rear wheel drive vehicles have the differential in the back.  Front wheel drive vehicles have the differential built into the transmission. Four wheel and all wheel drive vehicles ususally have three differentials.

Except for front wheel drive vehicles, the differential is lubricated by its own special fluid. Since there is no fluid circulation pump inside, there is no way to clean the fluid other that to periodically replace the differential fluid.  The differential must be inspected for leaks because, if enough fluid leaks out, the damage to the gears and bearings inside will be irrepairable.  The differential must be checks for dirty worn our fluid, for proper fluid level and for leaks.  A differential without enough lubricating fluid will fail.  The best time to inspect the differential is during regular vehicle sevice.  If you think your oil change place is watching your differential, forget about it.  See Oil Change Service for more information.

Although generally very reliable, the differential can fail from lack of fluid changes, normal wear and tear or just bad luck.  If minor repairs are required, the differential can be repaired.  However, somtimes it's just cheaper to put in a used differential.

So if you think your need differential service or repair, bring your vehicle to Clearview Tire & Auto Service for a correct diagnosis and professional guaranteed repairs which includes our Certified Auto Repair Nationwide Warranty.  We're in Hopkinsville, not far from Ft. Campbell and we've been here since 1952. Most repairs include one year FREE towing and roadside assistance, good 24/7 coast-to-coast.