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- 68 Cutler Rd, Jandakot 9417 9930
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- info@stage3.ritweb.com.au
- 68 Cutler Rd, Jandakot WA 6164 9417 9930
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Mon - Fri 8.00am - 5.00pm
Different driveline noises point to different problems. A diff whine at speed, a clunk on take-off, or a vibration under load can come from the differential – but they can also come from wheel bearings, tyres, CV joints or tailshaft components.
This guide explains what common differential noises usually mean and what you should do next. For a professional diagnosis in Perth, call WA Diffs on +61 8 9417 9930.
A whine that changes on acceleration versus deceleration is often linked to the crown wheel and pinion contact pattern or pinion bearing wear. Gear pattern issues can happen from wear over time, low oil, contamination, or previous incorrect setup.
The earlier you address a whine, the better. Catching bearing wear early can prevent gear damage and reduce rebuild cost.
A steady hum that increases with speed can sound like a diff, but it’s frequently a wheel bearing or tyre noise. The trick is determining whether it changes when you turn left/right (wheel bearings) or whether it changes under load (more likely driveline).
If you’re unsure, book a structured inspection – guessing can be expensive.
A clunk when you first move, or when shifting between reverse and drive, can be excess backlash inside the diff, worn spider gears, or general driveline lash. It can also be worn uni joints, tailshaft slip joints, engine/gearbox mounts or suspension bushes.
Because the symptom overlaps, diagnosis should look at the entire driveline, not just the diff.
Vibration that appears under load can come from tailshaft imbalance, worn uni joints, pinion angle issues, or internal diff bearing wear. A diff-related vibration often changes when you apply or lift off the throttle.
If you tow regularly and feel a new vibration, it’s worth checking early. High load accelerates wear quickly when something is out of toleranc
If the noise is mild and hasn’t changed, you may be able to drive short distances to organise an inspection – but it depends on oil level and the type of noise. A sudden increase in noise, harsh vibration, or signs of low oil mean you should stop driving to avoid catastrophic failure.
When in doubt, err on the safe side and get it assessed.
If you’re hearing whines, clunks or vibration, WA Diffs can help you pinpoint the cause and choose the right fix. Call +61 8 9417 9930 to book a differential inspection, or use the contact form to send your vehicle details and symptoms.
If you already know the diff needs internal work, explore our Differential Repair and Differential Rebuild pages.
