The solenoid on the left side (pink hose) that is used to disengage the front differential is always OFF. $5600 to replace is their offering Spoke to a diff specialist, he said that post 206 BMW moved to an inferior design, where they used roller bearings instead of tapered bearings. A common symptom of differential low on a fluid is a weird humming, howling, whining, and whining noise from either front or rear differential. I changed out mine around 85,000km. Until recently Toyota has ignored the problem and even denied it existence. If you begin to notice any of these symptoms, bring your vehicle to a local transmission shop as soon as possible. Suppose the differential fluid level is low; you might hear strange noises. I lifted it up and let it run in two wheel drive and the noise was gone. Driveline, Axle, Ring and Pinion Gear and Differential Noises and problems can sometimes be tricky. This happens through a series of gears that change the torque applied to each tire. 2. Front Diff Leak, Symptoms #1: Oil Leaks From The Front Diff Leak. Dec 19, 2010 · I removed the front drive shaft to check for noises or any play in the pinion or Xfer case joint. In other instances, more severe damage, such as that to the differential casing itself, can necessitate replacement as a whole. , so I would start with new axles. I'm a commuter. I found a part number through his post, but the dealer tells me it's too expensive. Without a proper working differential, your vehicle will not be able to be driven. If any of these differentials were to malfunction or wear out, then you can expect a lot of noticeable symptoms to arise. Jul 21, 2021 · Hi! I have a 2018 MDX AWD with 45,000 miles. This is very common on the 2007-2011 models and can occur even in very low mileage vehicles but normally over 70k. When your car’s rear differential starts to wear out, its precision will suffer. Tire damage: Tire damage is also one of the bad front pinion-bearing Its a simple process, but so many people do it wrong! In my experience, This is THE BEST way to seal up your leaky differential. A front-wheel-drive vehicle will have a front differential or transaxle that basically performs the same function. With that, you can take action accordingly. This needs to be fixed in a timely manner because as the fluid levels drop, the gears will wear down as the friction increases. Dec 30, 2020 · The truck has seen maybe 2-300 miles of 4HI use but the front differential oil was just as dirty if not more dirty than the rear oil at 30k miles. I had an 08 Grand Cherokee with low mileage - about 50K miles that had a worn front upper differential bushing. Understanding the symptoms of a bad front differential is important for making sure that your vehicle is operating at the highest level. Some times it wouldn’t spin, and would get more and more frequent. Symptoms to Watch For Jan 21, 2009 · Nope all wrong I'm afraid, the output from the gearbox drives the diff 'outer cage' the rear output goes to the rear, the front out goes through the front prop shaft which is INSIDE the gearbox out/diff input shaft and heads back to the front diff. Dec 2, 2022 · Front-wheel drive is a type of engine layout that uses the driveshaft from the rear axle to power both the front and rear wheels at the same time. I saw in another forum that a guy with the same issue as mine had his differential replaced by a dealer. You should see a vacuum line connected to it also. Many modern SUVs have AWD and a front-wheel drive-bias layout. Whining noises are one of the most common and noticeable symptoms of a bad differential. Couple of days ago I got a weird noise that I think was coming from the front end, if I lightly applied the brakes it seemed to go away. Yesterday I removed the engine skid plate and saw the front differential was leaking fluid. Oct 17, 2015 · The front differential side bearing on 2nd Gen. a bad diff with usually show clear signs like broken gears and parts, chunks of metal, etc. Common symptoms of Jeep front differential problems include loud noises, vibrations, difficulty turning, and oil leaks. Never had it replaced because it wound up getting totaled. 5 auto with 165K, the FRONT DIFF's pinion bearing is gone, it makes loud noise even at low speed. Jun 10, 2024 · There are a few noticeable signs that will present themselves if your front and/or rear differentials start to wear out or get damaged. 170000km still on same front diff here, no symptoms yet. Turns out it is on some other model Toyotas too. According to Land Rover The damage is caused due to the way A rear-wheel-drive vehicle will have a rear differential. There’s a grace period where your car has to be ‘broken in’ and putting too much stress on your engine too soon can cause some front or rear differential noises that signify a larger issue. The sounds are so clear and loud that no one can miss them. 91 ratio. However, if the damage is more extensive, such as in the case of rebuilding the differential, costs can escalate to around $1,000. About the Expert. Jan 11, 2024 · NOTE: Whether you DIY or your mechanic replaces the bearing, always install a new axle hub nut. Traces of oil on the underside of the differential. By this time I was getting dizzy from being under the car (and breathing the brakleen from spraying the rear diff). May 16, 2024 · The one-piece hub assembly, between the drive axle and the brake disc or drums, incorporates the hub, wheel bearings, ABS (anti-lock braking system) wheel speed sensor, and mounting flange. The rubber boot on the outside joint is new, but the axle is old. Have been dealing with this for a year now. Jun 23, 2022 · Learn the average front differential replacement cost at a mechanic ($2,000-$4,000) or DIY ($800-$1,000) for parts and labor. It’s important to note that Nov 29, 2012 · I have mentioned this before, but once again for some odd reason, other than Jimbuffalo, it is the 04 3. Most of the front end is new, axleshafts and all. There is info on this in section SA of the factory repair manual. These noises often indicate that something is not right with Jul 18, 2022 · In this video, you will learn 4 symptoms of a bad differential. It was intermittent at first after a few weeks it was more reproducible. Your Car Goes Through Too Much Oil Aug 18, 2019 · Went to replace the upper/lower actuators on the tcase since the old ones were completely shot and have gotten myself into quite a situation. Independent dealer is telling me the front differential service is included with transmission service/ same fluid ($99). Watching this video will help you diagnose if it is time to replace your differential. Gear grindingwhining no Oct 17, 2022 · A front differential works to adjust the speed of the rotation of your wheels to account for the difference in distance, providing a smooth and manageable turn. The accutator moves a slip spline that locks the right axle when 4wd is selected (manual or electric transfer). Common symptoms are having gear oil slung on to your front fuel tank and/or gear oil leaking onto Feb 15, 2023 · In front-wheel drive vehicles, the differential assembly and the axle are located in the transaxle (transmission axle), a deviation from the AWD and 4WD designs. Jan 11, 2016 · 2. This can lead to increased wear and tear, noise, leaks, and eventually complete failure of the differential. Use "the right stuff" and Front-wheel drive vehicles will have a front differential, while rear-wheel drive cars and trucks have a rear differential. Depending on the type of noise, we can isolate which part of the differential has failed. Here are some detailed symptoms to watch out for: 1. Jun 4, 2024 · Common Symptoms of a Bad Differential. Replaced my front hubs in April. The 4x4 system works, it just makes the grinding noise very similar to worn brakes grinding into a rotor (and NO, its not the brakesbrand new pads and rotors), but only when on the gas, or braking (I suspect its the engine braking effect on a worn out pinion bearing). Unusual Noises. Jan 4, 2016 · The most popular service booked by readers of this article is CV Axle / Shaft Assembly Replacement. Jan 7, 2016 · Usually a bad or failing differential output seal will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of an issue that should be serviced. If you do, your car could be damaged and it will be more expensive to repair. Looked clean and minimal debris on the magnet. Understand symptoms of a failing differential and related maintenance like fluid changes. I decided to call it a day, and see if anyone had any advice. I believe that’s the push button 9speed transmission. Sep 1, 2021 · SYMPTOMS OF BAD DIFFERENTIAL, EASYIf you want to know what are the symptoms of bad differential and how to suspect that you have bad differential on your in Oct 24, 2023 · A rear differential leak is an issue where differential oil seeps out of the rear differential’s housing. Mar 30, 2012 · Noise: Banging or clunking while making a turn, backing up, or rapid deceleration (like on a freeway off-ramp). I drive 50 miles to work in a straight line, and 50 miles home in a straight line. After Nov 17, 2023 · So, when this switch becomes faulty, it can lead to symptoms such as the inability to engage 4WD, intermittent engagement issues, or a complete failure to activate the front differential. Any slow turn to the right caused a low rumble from left front. Accurately diagnosing differential problems is an important step to avoid doing unnecessary work and spending extra money. They use gears to change the direction of torque or power from the engine equally between the drive wheels. Recognizing Front Differential Noise in a RAV4. If what you said were true there would be no need for gears inside the rear power takeoff. So, let’s read it. that will tell you what exactly is badlike spider gears, cracked carrier, ring gear, etc. You can se Dec 30, 2015 · What is an Axle Seal? An axle seal is the part of the vehicle that connects the axle to the rear differential, or the transmission. Also, handling the car might be tougher or shaky when cornering. Dec 19, 2009 · (opposite tire being the tire across from itself, ex: driver - passenger, or passenger-driver) also the fluid is a good indicator of a blown diff, as well as the clunking possibly, although that sounds more like a CV gone to all hell than the diff itself, check for cracks in the housing of your front diff Jan 4, 2019 · Freelander 2 and Range Rover Evoque front differential problems If there is a drumming or humming sound coming from the rear of your Freelander 2 or Range Rover Evoque, the chances are the rear diff bearings are failing. A differential is a component of the rear and front axle assemblies of your car that equalizes the distances traveled by the inside and outer wheels as the car turns or travels around curves. Symptoms of Bad Front Differentials. Mar 21, 2024 · You will find the same setup in the rear of the vehicle. Several symptoms can accompany a failing differential. Found a low mileage FRONT DIFF from a 2005 X3 2. Have been told it may be an issue with the front differential. Jan 5, 2021 · Bad Front and Rear Differential Symptoms. Give the diff a thorough shakedown checking the pinion and front driveshaft for any play as a vibration will cause bearings to fail sooner Sent from AutoGuide. Symptoms of a Bad Front Differential Usually, when a front differential is going bad, there are 4 tell-tale symptoms. Here are the differential low fluid symptoms you should watch out for. Refer to TIS, applicable model and model year Repair Manual: 2016 – 2018 Tacoma: Engine/Hybrid System – Differential – “Differential: Front Differential Carrier Assembly Feb 21, 2018 · We have a BMW X1 2011 model, the front diff is very noisy!! BMW Brisbane have confirmed its caput. Feb 15, 2022 · 2015 - 2020 Ford F150 - Front differential issue advice - About a month ago I started to hear what I thought was bearing noise in front driver side. When CV axles become excessively worn, the constant velocity joints will Dec 13, 2022 · It was slowly going out the whole weekend. Jan 20, 2023 · That’s why the differential gear is created, reducing the difference between two forces during the turning process. Dec 11, 2022 · Before damaging the whole differential, it will provide the driver with specific symptoms of an imminent problem in the system. About a week ago I started to hear a droning noise coming from the front underside of the vehicle when under acceleration. Sep 30, 2013 · How many miles an axle can go is determined by the type of driving. Pull an axle and insert a pipe or dowel that fits tight into the diff and see if there is play in the diff. So buckle up while we take a closer look at this important piece of your vehicle! What Is a Front Differential? Simply put, a front differential is the part of a vehicle that splits the power and torque to the front wheels. splines. In certain cases, the repair cost associated with fixing a failed differential can exceed that which is required for a full replacement. Gear grinding: Gear grinding or humming noise is another symptom that reveals a bad pinion bearing. Below are six of the most common symptoms of a bad front differential. In case your differential fluid is not enough, this procedure would be hindered, so you could lose traction. Feb 10, 2010 · Consequently, the front diff. Install the NEW front differential. In the past, when I parked the truck it would have to cool down before the front differential would finally disengage. I figured that is textbook Oct 27, 2023 · What happens when a front differential goes bad? If a front differential goes bad, the vehicle might show some symptoms. One of the most common manifestations of this newfound freedom of movement is a “clunk” that is typically heard at the initial moment of acceleration, as well as when lifting off of the gas Jan 18, 2011 · Last month I purchase an 06 RRS with 30k miles on it. The root cause behind this predicament often lies in damaged wiring, poor connections, or a malfunctioning control module. If the bearing becomes excessively worn or dries up, it can cause the drivetrain to make abnormal sounds when the four-wheel drive system is engaged. The average cost for solving such issues ranges between $1,400 to $3,250, including the labor cost. Jan 8, 2023 · A ZF Differential. Sep 30, 2021 · We go over the affects of a worn or cracked differential bushing. Use some decent quality fluid that meets j2360 spec and change it every few years. All-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive vehicles have both front and rear differentials. For More Info visit us at: http://1aau. I have one axle with 150,000 miles on it. If you have a front-wheel drive car and find a leak in the ground in the front of your car, have a mechanic check your differential oil. I need to replace the front diff. Jan 29, 2024 · Water promotes rust and corrosion within the differential, damaging gears, bearings, and seals. I manually rotated the front tires and I can hear the noise. '03 Outback 2. Jan 7, 2016 · Usually a bad or failing differential gasket will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential problem that should be serviced. 0. super atv armature welded low gear in transmission quad shop customs clutching triangle atv stealth snorkle triangle atv rear rack plate with ammo cans ride n'rest backrest w/frosty beverage holder k&n air filter pure polaris front and rear bumpers polaris front and rear rack extenders polaris 3500 winch Jul 13, 2016 · Front differential bushings, particularly the UPPER front differential bushings are notorious for wearing on Commanders & Grand Cherokees alike - at least from my experience. . Dec 23, 2021 · #differential #differential_troubles #the_abj_garageIn this video we will look at 5 common differential troubles and how to diagnose. Noise gets worse in warmer weather Cause: Posi chatter due to improper lubrication; worn clutches or spider gears; improper assembly Oct 1, 2019 · Take your brake caliper and flip it up out of your way. (Especially if you have symptoms of a bad differential, like front diff Feb 15, 2014 · Often there would be something else in the diff that has failed and cause the axles to have more axial play than normal and will accelerate the bearing wear. These weird sounds are one of the most common symptoms of a bad front differential. It DOESN'T SUCK no matter what position the floor shifter is in. Unlike the rear-wheel-drive setup, this type of car has all of Jul 30, 2022 · If you know about the bad front differential symptoms, you can quickly identify the causes for those symptoms as soon as your vehicle encounters any problems. ? Warranty is a warranty. So what we’re gonna do is, we’re gonna tie our upper A-arm up, that way it stays out of the way. Unusual Noise: One of the common symptoms of jeep front differential problems is the presence of unusual noise. Tacoma 4WDs has a long history of being problematic. Engine/Hybrid System – Differential – “Differential: Front Differential Carrier Assembly (for 4WD): Removal” 3. If the gear oil runs low or becomes excessively dirty, it can cause the gears to whine or howl as they turn. This special gearbox has an important function to perform to get your wheels turning. Nov 30, 2018 · Once a differential mount loses its tight hold, the diff itself will begin to interact with rest of the driveline in ways that are out of the ordinary. You’ll notice a gradual change in these noises when accelerating, decelerating, and when taking corners. I have been noticing some significant leaking coming from not my rear main seal itself but the knuckle (universal joint) the drive shaft connects into right before the diff. This is what transfers power to the wheels, so a damaged CV axle is kind of a big deal. These are the 5 easiest ways to identify if you have a damaged CV axle. The front diff is a completely different animal. 1. Identifying the telltale signs of front differential noise early can save you from costly repairs. I decided to change the fluid and see if this might help. The degree of the front differential leak determines how risky it is to drive while experiencing it. The noise can appear when turning, driving straight, and when accelerating/decelerating. If you notice one or more of them, take your car to the mechanic right away and don’t wait too long. Jan 8, 2016 · One of the first symptoms of an issue with the vehicle’s front output shaft bearing is a noisy drivetrain. Watch out for these most common signs: Whining Noises. The drive shaft enters from the front and the driven axles run left and right by Aconcagua / CC BY-SA 3. Some bad Mar 10, 2003 · front diff you should see the accutator on the left of the diff (your left when facing the front of the truck). This happens when one of the mechanical seals in the differential has worn out or failed . Here are the most likely symptoms to expect. May 22, 2022 · What is a Differential on a Car and How It Works. Strange noise. The differential gasket, pinion seals, and side seals are some of the seals that can leak differential fluid if they go bad. You never want to let your axle drop because you’ll end up creasing your boot. The front differential is a vital component in your Can-Am Defender, especially when traversing uneven landscapes. Complete replacement of the differential assembly may require a budget of $2,000 or more. One of the first symptoms of a problem with the differential gasket are traces of oil on the underside of the vehicle. Noises, vibrations and other irregular driving characteristics can often help diagnose a differential or driveline problem. The local auto recycler uses a computer and tells me the 2005 X3 FRONT DIFF will not fit into the 2004 X3 bc their computer Nov 10, 2021 · output hubs on front differential Jump to Latest 5K views 10 replies 2 participants last post by olddog Nov 14, 2021 Oct 22, 2014 · They are very aware. 5L 4cyl w/all-weather 4EAT The Constant Velocity Axle, or CV Axle, connects your wheels to the transaxle or transmission, allowing your vehicle to drive. Vehicles with this design have a transaxle instead of a transmission. If the seals dry or wear out, they will leak fluid from the axle shafts. Feb 6, 2016 · My friend's 2004 X3 2. Mar 6, 2023 · What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Rear Differential? If the rear differential is damaged or worn out, warning signs of a malfunctioning differential can begin to appear. There are the front differentials for the front wheels and the rear differentials for the rear wheels. The purpose of the axle seal is to keep transmission fluid from leaking. Common symptoms of a bad or failing differential in a vehicle can manifest in various ways, indicating potential issues with this critical component of the drivetrain system. One of the symptoms most commonly associated with bad or failing differential or gear oil is a noisy transmission or differential. Differential oil leaks. Joe Simes is an ASE and Toyota master technician. May 31, 2021 · The way this is accomplished on front-wheel drive vehicles and others is with the use of the constant velocity (CV) axel -- also sometimes referred to as the halfshaft. Sep 4, 2023 · Then you have a front differential. Front Differential Symptoms. Anyone ran into a similar situation or know what could be going on? Feb 12, 2018 · Nope, not it. Replaced fluid a while back ago. One of the most common and noticeable bad CV joint symptoms is an audible clicking noise when turning or accelerating. Like any other component of a drivetrain, differential problems may arise over time. Differential has low fluid. Time the new upper/lower actuators and install on the truck, 4hi stops flashing and two wheel drive is working great. The most common differentials are front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive differentials. The axle shafts will leak fluid if the seals dry out or wear down. The transfer case mounts to the side of the transaxle and distributes power to the rear differential and one of the front CV axles. The front-wheel-drive vehicle doesn’t contain a long driveshaft because the front wheels are transmitting the power. Jan 4, 2016 · When CV joints wear out, they will usually show symptoms to let the driver know they require attention. If you notice your differential has low fluid, chances are it is leaking from the pinion seal. If your RAV4’s steering feels heavier than usual or unresponsive, it could indicate a problem with the front differential. The roller bearings design is a flaw and is causing noisy diffs. That stated, below, we have revealed the most common signs you will notice in the faulty front differential. Whining Differential or Transmission. Then we’re gonna grab our axle, pull it right out of the front differential. Each vehicle has two sets of differentials. The front axles are engaged fully. to/h/cGE/Noticed water dripping from your differential? Or maybe you were surprised by frothy fluid during a recent se Jul 16, 2022 · The front differential allows the front wheels to spin at different speeds while providing equal torque to the wheels. 1) Whining Noises. Oct 19, 2017 · Looks like the play is beyond the cv joint and in the spline area of the axle and the diff. Common Symptoms Of Jeep Front Differential Problems. Depending on the size of the leak, it may be okay to drive with a leaking axle seal, but not for very long. However, there is a front driveshaft connected to the transfer case and front differential with U-joints. YourMechanic’s technicians bring the dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM. com Free App Jan 29, 2024 · A vehicle’s differential (or diff), whether front (FWD), rear (RWD), or both (AWD and 4WD), helps deliver power to the axle(s) and regulates how fast each wheel rotates. The drivers side axle has significantly more play in the differential carrier than the passenger side, you can hear it clicking when you wiggle it by hand. This system allows for more torque and better fuel economy than other layouts, making it a popular choice in cars with heavy payloads or those that are used for off-road purposes. Accelerating or Turning Makes Clicking Noise. The splines in the axle are softer than the ones in the diff. Jan 7, 2016 · 2. 2 V6 owners reporting all the front diff failures on here. Possible indications of an issue may include. Oct 24, 2012 · super atv billet cage in front diff. At the very end of the diff, I was on a pretty big step up on a rock bouncer line, was having to creep it back and forth till 4wd engaged, finally got tired of it, tried to pretty much jump the step up in 2wd figuring it was toast, then it decided to engage when I was turning like The Ford F150 front differential can have various problems, such as leaking fluid, excessive noise or vibration, and complete failure. The differential is a key part of the vehicle’s drivetrain system connecting the transmission to the wheels. Rear diff only has a fill and drain plug. It’s designed to allow the wheels to rotate at different speeds while still delivering power to them, which is essential for maintaining traction. Sep 6, 2023 · Some of the Warning Indications of a Front Diff Leak are Listed Below. Weird noises such as whining, grinding, or clunking can pop suddenly, especially during turns. Mar 7, 2019 · 5 Bad Symptoms. The gear grinding is produced in the process of acceleration of the vehicle. We show in detail what it looks like to drive a car with a cracked diff bushing. Jan 15, 2024 · Understanding the Can-Am Defender Front Differential. is always engaged in 4wd. Most hub nuts are prevailing torque fasteners, used on critical components (like securing axle shafts to hub bearings) where a loose nut could lead to disastrous consequences. Here are some key signs to watch out for: Jul 19, 2020 · While offering my opinion, I cannot give you facts as to why this AAM axle needs it, while the same axle in a GM has a different index. When the front or rear differential in a vehicle starts wearing out, it will start showing some symptoms. Difficulty in Handling. You wi Feb 6, 2023 · Bad Differential Symptoms. Dec 13, 2020 · The following are symptoms that you have a front diff leak or a differential leak: You See Traces of Oil On The Underside of Your Car One of the first symptoms that you have a front diff leak, or a problem with your differential gasket, are visible traces that are located on the underside of your car. By putting too much stress on the new car, we mean driving too fast (more than 50 mph) for long periods of time or by towing or hauling another object May 4, 2024 · This problem on the Ford F150 is usually accompanied by any or all of the following symptoms – Front axle jerking; Grinding noise while driving; Metal scraping noise coming from the front axle; Usually, this issue can occur due to any of the following reasons – Failed 4WD actuator . 5i, also 3. An all-wheel or 4-wheel-drive vehicle will have both front and rear differentials providing power to all four wheels. Apr 13, 2024 · Repair expenses for common differential issues typically fall within the range of $200 to $300. The whining or howling is caused by lack of lubrication and may Dec 17, 2012 · remove the cover and see what the insides look like. CV axles have inner and outer joints with a “boot” on each end. Jan 29, 2024 · 2002-2006 Chevy truck front differential. Jan 19, 2024 · The main symptoms of a bad differential are all kinds of noises coming from the back of the vehicle: whirring, grinding, rumbling, clunking, and whining. Feb 28, 2021 · By the time I got the 15-20 fasteners off, I realized I might have to now take the steel shield off to expose the front diff and plugs, is this right? To be honest. It also seemed to be relative to speed. Is it a normal thing for the front end of this model to make a noise like that? AWD systems distribute power to all four wheels without any driver input. The most common symptom for a problem with the differential output seal is an oil leak. Noises Nov 4, 2021 · If you just find oil on the ground underneath the front of your car, it could be differential fluid, transmission fluid, or motor oil. Dealership is telling me I need separate fluid for the front differential ($129) from the transmission fluid ($329). The typical symptoms are a resonate hum, vibration, or drone coming from that general area while driving in 2WD. Function and Importance of Sep 6, 2014 · When I picked it up just over a year ago with 250 miles, it has had a humming noise coming from the front diff whenever it is moving. CV axle failures are usually caused by a broken or leaking boot, which is often followed by failing bearings in a joint. Here are some symptoms to watch out for: Difficulty in Steering. Feb 24, 2019 · The front diff will have a dipstick on the passenger side of the engine bay, towards the back of the firewall. Nov 18, 2019 · Had my 2019 Talon 1000R 2 weeks and at the 100 mile initial service I noticed that the front differential was leaking oil at the LF axle shaft, although it will be fixed under warranty, the tech said that they have been getting quite a few in for the same problem (5 in the last 2 weeks). About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright Worn-out pinion bearing results in noticeable vibration or differential noise on acceleration. It is also important for staying safe on the road. Jun 24, 2019 · Would like to know what is the symptoms of a failing front axle u-joint, also what kind of noise if any it would make. May 7, 2011 · Howdy all, I unclogged my differential vent tonight and I want to share some information I was not able to find on my own. Went for a small drive only to notice I now have what sounds like a clicking or gears grinding in the front differential. A front diff leak is the most prevalent indicator of a problem with the differential output seal. Symptoms of a Bad Differential Every mechanical part in any vehicle develops some symptoms before finally breaking down. zl br qz hd rv wy nw an eo ak