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Topic: Differental Squeaking

in Forum: C3 Driveline Components


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Differental Squeaking (1/11)
 9/16/08 9:13am
Corvette77
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Posts: 25

Hello,
 
I have a 77 with 90,000 on her. After a normal run of about 20 mins or so when I make turns in either direction the rear end wines and squeaks. Once the car is put back into a straight line she is fine. I sucked out as much fluid as possible and added 1/2 gear lube and 1/2 synthetic gear lube. Seems like she is alot smoother but the squeaks are still there. I was reading "A differential saved" and I am thinking about picking up the gm gear to put back into her. Is is any sense or is this a problem must worse than fluid?
 
Thanks
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Differental Squeaking (2/11)
 9/16/08 9:29am
KDADDY79
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Dutchess County, NY - USA

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White '79 Corvette. It's a driver.


Joined: 8/27/2007
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Kris,
It sounds to me like you're on the right track.
I used the GM brand Positraction Additive and my problem was solved.
The info. I got here was right on in that the GM Posi. Additive works to free up any debris on the clutch packs in the rear end.
I'd suggest that you allow some fluid to drain from the diff. and then top it off with the GM stuff. Then drive it for an hour or so. Lastly, replace all of the fluid again and top it off again with the GM stuff.
This way any debris you worked loose can drain out and not cause you any problems.
'Hope this helps...
Kevin
 
P.S. I used at hand pump that I bought at NAPA ($12.00) to pump out more dirty fluid. It seemed like the drain plug's position wouldn't allow for alot of it to drain out on it's own.
KDADDY792008-09-16 06:32:44
Differental Squeaking (3/11)
 9/16/08 9:31am
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

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#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


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Did you put in the Positrac additive when you changed the gear lube? If not, you need to do this asap, before any damage to the posi clutches occurs.
I've never heard of a diff unit squeaking, but I guess it's possible. Usually, a squeaking noise from the rear is a u-joint, or t-arm/axle bearing. Then again, the posi unit will make noise while turning, usually after driving straight for a few miles. I'd suggest putting in the posi additive first, and go from there...

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Differental Squeaking (4/11)
 9/16/08 9:39am
SilverStreakLifetime Member
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Oceanside, CA - USA

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1978 Silver Anniversary model. Original L82 engine, 700r4 trans, edelbrock intake, thorly headers, rack&pinion steering, mono rear and front spring, MSD 6A box


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Has anybody heard of Royal Blue differental fluid? What is it and do you also need to put in positrac additive?



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Differental Squeaking (5/11)
 9/16/08 10:00am
Corvette77
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O.K. looks like some progress, Joel- I did not put any additive in. So my plan is to drain enough to  get the bottle of additive in, drive it until the weekend and drain all of the fluid and replace it with gm lube and more additive. My question is what is better? The Gm differential lube or a good quailty synthetic?
Differental Squeaking (6/11)
 9/16/08 12:00pm
shanes79
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Tacoma, WA - USA

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1979 L48 Resto-Mod. ZZ383 w/ TKO-500 manual transmission. Centerforce clutch. Tail light conversion. A/C. BeCool radiator. Red exterior with custom black and white leather interior by Mid America Motorworks.


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I had this exact same problem with my 79. I too initially suspected the differential...changed all the fluid...still had the problem.

Checked the U-joints...all but 1 was shot Wink  I'd agree with Joel and have those half-shaft U-joints checked.

-Shane
Differental Squeaking (7/11)
 9/16/08 1:29pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


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The posi will normally make a grinding noise, or a "chatter" that you can feel as you turn. As I said, I've never heard of a diff making a squeak, but....I ain't the sharpest tool in da box.

A u-joint, if dry, will squeak at certain times, usually when the tires are rolling slowly, such as when you turn, or when first taking off from a stop. A wheel bearing will squeak the same way.

[QUOTE=Corvette77]After a normal run of about 20 mins or so when I make turns in either direction the rear end wines and squeaks. Once the car is put back into a straight line she is fine.[/QUOTE]

This description leads one to think it is the posi unit...perhaps the description of the noise itself needs clarifying?
As far as what brand of gear lube to use, any name brand will work just fine. Most of them will say that their lube already has the posi additives in it, but....I doubt that whatever they have in it is compatible with our older cars, and posi units.
The GM posi additive is really the best bet...two bottles is recommended. I also use the posi additive from Lubegard, and have not had any problems with it in all of the years I've used it. I couldn't say if other brands are good...I've never used anything but the GM, and Lubegard additives.
hth



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Differental Squeaking (8/11)
 9/16/08 8:20pm
kstyerLifetime Member
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One more thing to add.   Check the end play in the output shafts/yokes coming out of the diff.  If there is too much play the posi clutches will make terrible noise, worse when warm.   Just like mine.   Yes I have new ones to put in after the paint is complete.
 
Lift the rear of the car, and push the wheels in and out at the top.  Watch for the play in the yoke shafts.
Differental Squeaking (9/11)
 9/22/08 1:11pm
Corvette77
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Diff Saved!
 
Not too sure what the problem was but I drained off enough to add 1 bottle of additive and while I was under there I jamed the u joints with grease and problem solved. $6.19 and a bit of grease! Thanks guys  
Differental Squeaking (10/11)
 9/22/08 8:57pm
KDADDY79
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Dutchess County, NY - USA

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Ya just gotta love it when a fix goes that easy!
Hopefully you nailed it and that'll be it.
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Differental Squeaking (11/11)
 9/23/08 11:18pm
sgm2004
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[QUOTE=Corvette77]Diff Saved!
 
Not too sure what the problem was but I drained off enough to add 1 bottle of additive and while I was under there I jamed the u joints with grease and problem solved. $6.19 and a bit of grease! Thanks guys  
[/QUOTE]
 
Clap Kewl stuff
 
sgm2004
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