How do I know if my differential is on its way out on a 1993 Q45?

[Infinitiguy19]

How do I know I have a bad differntial?

When I changed the differntial fluid a couple of months ago I notice that the magent was filled with little metal particles, But half of the fluid (The top part (Or the last part of the fluid to come out) ) Was clean.

But it seems that when it snows out or there is ice out the back end goes to the left and ONLY the left, should'nt the back end go to the right as well as the left?

[Q451990]

The usual sign of a failing differential is a howling noise from the rear end - varies with speed.

Heath

[Infinitiguy19]

Yay me then, I think tires might have something to do with it as well.

Becuase if you have one tire that is crappy on the right, The left will get most of the torque causing the car to go to that side right?

[maxnix]

Becuase if you have one tire that is crappy on the right, The left will get most of the torque causing the car to go to that side right?

If you are dumb enough to run unmatched tires on the drive axle, either your VLSD will wear faster, or your brake pads will do to TCS operation.

Just totally inconceivable.

Is Paul Wall Peter Pastos on Drugs?

[MinisterofDOOM]

The usual sign of a failing differential is a howling noise from the rear end - varies with speed.

Heath

The sound may also come and go dependent on load on the diff. Sometimes the howl will only present under accel or decel but not both.

[Infinitiguy19]

If you are dumb enough to run unmatched tires on the drive axle, either your VLSD will wear faster, or your brake pads will do to TCS operation.

Just totally inconceivable.

Is Paul Wall Peter Pastos on Drugs?

I take it you read my other post about you.

But my differntial is fine, I just switched to snow tires (Michelin all round) And yes they are all the same size.

[Q45tech]

I am on differential #3 now, as to expect VLSD to last more than 100-120k is wishful..............noisewise most can make it to 200k with good lube change habits.

Finding low US mileage wrecks is almost impossible now............I found 2 in 2003 used one and kept the other for future.

[Denver90Q]

Any way to check if VLSD is still good once removed from car?

[Q45tech]

Depending on traction control/active or standard VLSD version probably a lot easier to buy a $2500 new one than to find a fully functioning [as new] used diff.

Testing off car is difficult and inconclusive.