Hi guys, I could really use some advice here. I put this in UTH because I think my problem is more of a technical nature... Here's my situation:

I bought a set of the Richmond 4.57 gears a few weeks ago along with the Comptech reinforced differential housing. A little over a week and a half ago, I gave the gears and the housing to a local shop that is nationally reknowned for doing NSX work (Basch Acura Service). These guys are totally cool and really seem to want to get the job done "right".

Anyway, long story short, they've installed the gears in the new differential cover at least 5 times in the last week and a half, and each time they put it on the car to see how it feels when you move the wheels, they were dissatisfied. They explained it to me that the differential was making too much noise. Like a clicking of some kind.

They are aware that the Richmond gears are supposed to be "noisier" than stock. They say that this noise is excessive and they don't want to give the car back to me in this shape.

What should I do? I get a really good vibe from this shop and I'm really inclined to trust them to do the work. Especially after all the good reviews from the NSX people at NSX Prime. Can you guys think of anything that I can tell these guys that will help them out? I've already given them the phone number of ricks2k (the place I got the gears.)

Sorry for the long post, It's just that after almost 2 weeks without my baby, I'm starting to stress out. Good thing I'm not getting a turbo installed!

 

Just a couple of thoughts; don't know if these'll help you though:

1) The new gears are noisier than stock. SIGNIFICANTLY. It is very noticeable.

2) The added noise is not of a "clicking" nature. It is more of a whine.

That's all I have. Good Luck.

 

I thought I'd revive this thread since I'm currently in the same situation. My installer says the gears are making excessive whine/noise. It is as loud or louder than my exhaust, T1R63 with TP. He doesnt want to give it back to me until he is satisfied with the results. We are using all the recommended settings and there is LE-607 in there. He will be taking the diff apart to check what pattern wear has occurred.

If the gear pattern is ok- should there be anything else to look for? I realize that the 4.57 will be A LOT louder than stock. How much louder, I have nooo idea. I have yet to hear how loud they are.

Can anyone give a comparison to how loud their 4.57 was compared to stock? Also, I've read that they will quiet down after break-in. Can I get another comparison in the sound of these after they are broken in (freshly installed 4.57s vs broken in 4.57). Thanks!

 

How much louder than stock is a very subjective judgement, and pretty much impossible to quantify on a message board. The best I can say is what I said above, that it's significant. Your best bet would be to post something in your regional forum and see if anyone else in your area has them so you can compare. Also, I really don't think they get quieter after break-in. If so I think the difference is minimal. If anyone is saying that they get quieter I suspect they're just getting used to the extra noise.

 

From what I've read, I would believe the gears to be a lot louder than stock. I realize "how loud" is a very subjective judgement. However, my installer seems to be a bit of a perfectionist-not a bad thing. He finds the 4.57 noise characteristic unacceptable. I'm pretty sure I can live with the extra whine and such as this isn't my daily driver.

I asked my installer if he rode with the top up or down and he said it was up. I know that when the windows and top up, engine noise, exhaust, etc seem to be magnified alot. I think this is what he is hearing-the sound of the gears being magnified.

Any other thoughts/comments/suggestions?

 

I think I would call Richmond gear and get their advice they made the gear set. I have installed Richmond gearsets in 12 bolt chevy applications and they did not whine, they were quiet as factory.

 

The two cars I've been in with these gears made objectionable amounts of noise imho. One of them is so bad you can't drive the thing without ear plugs. Really.

Don't know how much of this is due to setup and how much is just a characteristic of the gearset. I do know that the noisier of the two has had the diff set up by two different and competent shops but yet the noise persists. YMMV.

 

I have the Richmond 4.57's and Comptech diff and yes they are slightly louder but not much at all. Most of the whine(noise) I get is around 50 mph and it really isn't that bad.