Differential Repairs & Rebuilds in Perth

Targeted repairs and full rebuilds for noisy or leaking diffs

Differentials are built to handle huge loads, but they rely on clean oil, correct bearing preload and precise gear setup. When something changes – a bearing wears, oil runs low, seals leak, or the gear pattern shifts – you can end up with whines, clunks and accelerated wear.

WA Diffs provides differential repairs and rebuilds in Perth for 4WDs, utes and passenger vehicles. Whether you need a targeted repair (like a seal and bearing replacement) or a full rebuild, our focus is the same: identify the cause, replace what’s worn, and set the diff up correctly so it runs quietly and reliably.

If you’re not sure which option suits your vehicle, start with an inspection. Call +61 8 9417 9930 to book.

WA Diff workshop
diff oil drain

Repair vs rebuild: what’s the difference?

A differential repair usually targets a specific issue: a leak, a noisy bearing, or a shim adjustment. A rebuild is more comprehensive and is often recommended when multiple components are worn or when you want to restore the diff to reliable condition before a big trip.

If gears are damaged or the pattern is badly worn, a rebuild may include replacing the crown wheel and pinion or fitting a replacement centre. We’ll explain your options based on what we find.

Common differential problems we fix

Differential issues tend to fall into a few common categories:

  • Bearing noise (whine/hum), pinion bearing wear, carrier bearing wear
  • Oil leaks (pinion seals, axle seals, housings and breathers)
  • Backlash or preload issues after wear or previous incorrect setup
  • Gear damage from running low on oil or contamination
  • Vibration or driveline “lash” caused by worn components
toyota FJ cruiser at a workshop

Our repair process

Every job starts with clarity. A typical workflow looks like:

  • Confirm symptoms and replicate the issue where safe to do so
  • Inspect oil condition and check for leaks or mechanical play
  • Quote repair/rebuild options with expected outcomes and timeframes
  • Carry out the work with correct setup checks (backlash, preload, patterns)
  • Road test and final inspection before handover

Next steps

If you need specialist help, WA Diffs can guide you from diagnosis to repair. Call +61 8 9417 9930 to discuss your symptoms, or explore our detailed pages on Differential Repair, Differential Rebuild and Crown Wheel & Pinion Setup.

If your vehicle is still drivable but the noise is increasing, book in early – catching a bearing issue early can prevent gear damage.

4x4 raised on hoist