Last week I brought my car to the dealer, because I heard a squeeking noise coming from the rear of the car. I hear it after it's warmed up from driving it after a bit, especially during right hand turns, moreso on hard right hand turns: i.e. parking spaces, driveways, highway ramps.

At first I thought it was the rear diff, but then after some research, I thought it was the left rear wheel bearing. I cannot budge the wheel at all, and it doesnt move. The lugs are on properly, there is nothing wrong with the brakes. I also checked the under side of the rear to make sure nothing in the suspension was broke, bent, etc.

The dealer said the never heard it, so I got the car back. They said however the clutch slave cylinder, and the brake cylinder were leaking. They were ordeing the parts, and it was covered under warranty.

After I picked up the car, I was almost home, and I heard the noise again.

The parts came in, and I brought the car back up for the repairs. I explained to them, how to drive the car to hear the noise. The called back today, and said that the diff fluid needs to be changed, because thats where the noise is coming from. I told them that I changed the diff fluid in December, and that was 15K-16k miles ago. They said that's about what the change interval should be.

I did buy new diff fluid over the weekend so I could change it this week.

Is it possibble for the rear diff to squeek if the fluid is bad/old? Doesn't sound right to me but I am trying to make sure what they say or what I think is right. If the sound goes away after the fluid change, no biggie. But like I mentioned before, just doesn't seem to be the diff.

Any help, advice, or input would be greatly appreciated. Sorry about this post being so long, but I wanted to give everyone the right info on the ordeal

 

Don't think it is likely that changing the diff oil would make a difference. But it can't hurt to change it at that interval.

From personal experience I can tell you that the bearing is quite loud and constant once it gets to squeeking.

 

All I've been reading about diffs is that they "hummm" or "growl" during tight slow turns.
Not squeek.

15k miles on diff oil is the "severe schedule".. sounds ok and it doesn't hurt to change that oil, there isn't a lot there and it has to work hard.

Try those turns with the parking brake very slightly engaged, to see if it may be the rear pads "rumbling" around?

Let us know what you find

 

Check your axle nuts, they may need to be torqued again. There was a TSB on this a while back.

Warren

 

 

where exactly are the axle nuts i need to check? is it the nut right in the middle of the rotor when i take the wheel off? also, does anyone have any pics?

 

Yep, right in the middle of the rotor.

 

Got the car back from the dealer Tuesday, and I changed the diff fluid that night. No difference in the noise. I went out to get the socket for the axle nuts, and come to find out, my torque wrench only goes up to 150 ft lbs. What can I do to make sure the axle nuts are torqued to 220 ft lbs.

Also, when I do this, is there a right/wrong way to keep the axle from moving while I tighten them?

I was told to check the brakes. Is there anyway of adjusting them? I don't know how to do it. The brake cylinder was replaced and received new brake fluid. Didn't feel any difference really.

Any and all help/links/photos would be greatly appreciated

....the clutch pedal did feel better however..not so stiff

 

"borrow" a torque wrench from Autozone. They usually have one that goes to 250 ft-lbs. You'll need a 1/2" socket, though.

Just out of curiosity... what fluid did you use in your diff (this time and last time)?

 

last diff fluid I dont remember what I used. This time I used mobil-1 75w90