XC90 rear differential replacement - questions

[Stovinator]

I am afraid your problem is a stripped sleeve and not a rear diff.

Correct diagnosis is important.

Hi CN90, if you are referring to my situation, it is a whining rear diff, we had it up on the hoist over the weekend. Not looking forward to the repair.

[WrenchBoy]

I would say any "used" unit you buy is going to have a failing Pinion Bearing. I bought a unit off eBay $558 CarPartsInc, Pittsburgh PA the the pinion bearing was failing. I am in the process of rebuilding the unit with new Bearings, Seals. Had to purchase the Pinion Nut Tool off Amazon at $157, it worked well. I am going to use a digital inch pound torque wrench to help me set the preload, by using the Pinion Nut splined portion, setting the torque wrench to 9.7 inch pound and then rotating the shaft, re-tightening nut as needed until resistance is achieved.

[abscate]

Oh, unhappy roller bearings!

Those must have run dry at some point

[pgill]

How far down the rabbit hole do you want to go?

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic29814 ... on+bearing

Good luck

Paul

[ggleavitt]

Thanks Paul.

It's a common issue, just most folks never get it that bad or, like me with two slightly ringing rear diffs at 50-ish mph on a quiet road, just leave it alone (I'll probably get them repaired someday). I change the fluid myself so they're always full- it's a design issue, well recognized as Paul demonstrates and something that has been around for many years. With a 2013 abscate, you're likely in the clear.

[pgill]

Some more links

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic34201.html

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic29861.html

I use a gear oil with better protection for shock loading

Mobil Delvac 1 Gear Oil 75W90

You won’t find it in a typical auto parts store.

I ordered mine from a place in Chicago I think

Good luck

Paul

PS I do recommend that a magnet is used for any differential to remove the steel particles that will always be present