Differential Inspection & Noise Diagnosis

Pinpoint whining, clunking and driveline vibrations

A whining noise at 80 km/h, a clunk on take-off, or a vibration under load doesn’t always mean the diff is “gone” – but it does mean something needs attention. The key is finding the true source before spending money on the wrong fix.

WA Diffs offers differential inspection and noise diagnosis in Perth to pinpoint whether the issue is in the front diff, rear diff, centre, tailshaft, wheel bearings or related driveline components. Once we identify the cause, we’ll explain the repair options and the likely outcomes in plain language.

To book an inspection, call +61 8 9417 9930 or request a quote online.

WA Diff workshop
diff oil drain

Common complaints we diagnose

Noise and vibration symptoms can be subtle. We often help customers dealing with:

  • Whine or howl that changes with throttle (acceleration vs deceleration)
  • Humming that rises with speed (often bearings, but not always the diff)
  • Clunks when shifting from reverse to drive, or when taking off
  • Vibration while towing, uphill, or at specific speeds

Leaks or low oil that may be causing overheating and wear

How we narrow down the cause

A good diagnosis combines test results with your description of when the problem happens. Typical steps include:

  • Road test to replicate the noise and observe when it occurs (speed, load, throttle)
  • Check oil level and condition, including contamination and metallic debris
  • Inspect for leaks, breather issues and driveline play (where accessible)

Identify whether the noise is from the diff, wheel bearings, tyres, CVs or tailshaft components

toyota FJ cruiser at a workshop

Why diagnosis saves money

Replacing a complete diff assembly without confirming the cause can be expensive and may not fix the problem. For example, a wheel bearing hum can be mistaken for a diff whine, and a tailshaft vibration can feel like an internal diff issue.

By diagnosing first, you can choose the right repair – from a simple seal fix or service, through to a bearing replacement, rebuild or upgrade.

Book a differential inspection

If your diff noise is getting worse, don’t wait for it to fail completely. Call +61 8 9417 9930 and tell us what you’re hearing and when it happens. The more detail you can share, the faster we can narrow it down.

If you’re already certain the issue is internal, see our Differential Repair and Differential Rebuild pages for the next step.

4x4 raised on hoist