- Symptoms - Rear Drive Axle

Symptoms - Rear Differential Carrier

Strategy Based Diagnostics

Review the system operations in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. Refer to Rear Drive Axle Description and Operation (Description and Operation) , and Transfer Case Description and Operation (Transfer Case Description and Operation) . All diagnosis on a vehicle should follow a logical process. Strategy based diagnostics is a uniform approach for repairing all systems. The diagnostic flow may always be used in order to resolve a system condition. The diagnostic flow is the place to start when repairs are necessary. For a detailed explanation, refer to Strategy Based Diagnosis .


Visual/Physical Inspection

* Inspect for aftermarket devices, which could affect the operation of the vehicle. Refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories .
* Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions, which could cause the symptom.
* Check for the correct lubricant level and the proper viscosity.
* Verify the exact operating conditions under which the concern exists. Note factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, ambient temperature, and other specifics.
* Compare the driving characteristics or sounds, if applicable, to a known good vehicle and make sure you are not trying to correct a normal condition.
* Inspect for all-wheel drive activation and operation. Refer to All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System Functional Inspection (Functional Inspection - All Wheel Drive (AWD) System) .
* Factors that may contribute to an inoperative rear differential include:

- Low gear oil levels
- Differential inoperative due to antilock brake system (ABS) function
- Inoperative powertrain control module (PCM) and/or wiring system
- A mini-spare or different size tire installed
- A fluid over-temperature condition
- An inoperative or "stuck" clutch pump check valve
- A defective rear differential assembly
- An inoperative transfer case assembly




Intermittent

Test the vehicle under the same conditions that the customer reported in order to verify the system is operating properly.


Symptom List

Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom:

* Diagnostic Starting Point - Vibration Diagnosis and Correction
* Diagnostic Starting Point - Wheel Drive Shafts (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview)
* All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System Functional Inspection (Functional Inspection - All Wheel Drive (AWD) System)
* Noisy in Drive (Noisy in Drive)
* Noisy When Coasting (Noisy When Coasting)
* Intermittent Noise (Intermittent Noise)
* Constant Noise (Constant Noise)
* Noisy on Turns (Noisy on Turns)
* Rear Differential Carrier Leak Diagnosis (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)