Front Differential Making Noise

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fvernet

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Look I don't know much but I also would verify front brake not dragging. One way to do that is measure the rotor temperatures (left vs right) with a handheld non contact infrared thermometer. I recently associated a rubbing noise with a bad caliper using that method. One rotor was hotter than the other. BTW the noise was at lower speeds only and I could associate that with braking and it also didn't roll quite right.

I had a brake job done all around yesterday - new rotors and pads on all 4 corners. Turns out the front left rotor was warped - that MAY have been the source of the noise. I'll listen for it and report back.
 

Plati

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I think its still possible the caliper is dragging, that ruined the pad/rotor system so new parts is a bandaid (temp "fix") masking the root cause. Onion skin as the diagnosticians say. Time will tell. An infrared thermometer would uncover that. Cheap tool, many uses, lasts a long time ... great for brake diagnosis. Pistons in calipers not metal these days, get skeewacky & bind. Pay me now or pay me later. Could be wrong. Food for thought.

https://www.harborfreight.com/121-infrared-laser-thermometer-63985.html

Also good for measuring smoker temp and setting bath water etc. Lol
 
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fvernet

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So...the rubbing sound is still there, most noticeable at highway speed. I'll have my mechanic look at the brake caliper as the possible culprit. Thanks for the tip.
 

Trainmaster

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Lots of good advice here. Look at EVERYTHING else before you open up that differential. Just about anything is more likely to be the problem.
 
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fvernet

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Lots of good advice here. Look at EVERYTHING else before you open up that differential. Just about anything is more likely to be the problem.

I agree - it may be as simple as changing the diff fluid. I'm NOT convinced the diff is bad...heck...I drive in 2H 99.99% of the time. 4H has been turned on a few times in heavy snow for a few minutes. Period. So it cannot be worn out.
 

lbv150

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Also have a look at the vacuum check valve those have been known to have a problem with certain model years. Causes the front locking hubs to either partially or fully engage even when in 2H
 
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