The truck’s transmission is responsible for sending power to the driven wheels but the wheels need assistance to operate effectively.If they are forced to rotate at the same speed, it would be a strain on the axle and negatively impact the truck’s ability to turn. This is where a differential steps in as it helps the wheels to spin at different speeds. However, certain factors affect the efficiency of the differentials and this is when you need to get the truck differential repairs done.
The signs of a damaged differential
- Irritating noises from the differential: howling is associated with animals but not with a truck. So, if one’s truck is howling then it is time to take a look at the differential. The pinion-bearing preload might have come loose and thus begins the ear-piercing howling while decelerating. Often, the drivers mistake it for the tire noise.
- Lack of insufficient lubrication: just like the engine and the transmission, lack of lubrication will lead to a damaged differential. Gear oil is used for this particular part of the vehicle. So check for the level of gear oil, if it is low, then don’t be surprised with the racket that your truck is making.
- Out-of-balance driveshaft: this can cause your truck to vibrate heavily when it accelerates.
- Worn out U-joints:if the truck vibrates or shakes excessively then it is surely a case of worn out U-joints.
- Transfer case:while releasing or pressing the throttle, if there are soundsthat are similar to clunking or clicking, then it is a worn-out transfer case.
- Burned Ring and Pinion: under normal conditions, the tooth part of the ring and pinion are shiny and the machining striations are visible. However, in the case of the burned ring and pinion, the surface becomes too shiny and the machining striations are no longer visible. The root of the ring will form a hard edge showing the extent of ring gear that has burnt off. The burned ring and pinion are the results of lubrication failure. Either there was not enough oil in the differential or the oil simply broke down. In either case, one has to contact a reputed repair service to get the truck differential repairs
- Broken Ring and Pinion:in this case, there will be grey areas where the teeth of the same are sheared off. The semi-shiny surface of ring and pinion is hammered by the broken pieces of gear. This is the result when excessive power combines with oversized tires or tires that are stuck with some obstacle on the road.
Do not ignore the signs of your complaining vehicle and hire a well-experienced repair service to fix the problems.
