kmb1966
Lake Charles
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Joined: 09/18/2005
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I guess it could have been worser news, but here goes. 2002 Dodge Roadtrek 190. Hearing a shutter noise at low speeds after driving about an hour or more. Noise gets worse the longer it is driven. Finally went to the shop with it today.
The shutter noise I am hearing after driving the van about an hour or so is the REAR END. According to the repair shop the slip differential has clutches that are not operating correctly. Will have to change the fluid and if that doesn't fix it, $$$$ to rebuild the rear end. Then, to make matters worse, when test driving it to hear the shutter noise, I turned into the driveway and there was a NEW noise. Front end, grind sound, sounded like I drug bottom. Turns out to be a BALL JOINT. Will have to see if the ball joints are serviceable (with grease zerks). And if that doesn't fix it, $$$$ to replace the ball joints. I guess the news could have been worse, but usually the easy fix (change fluid and its fixed) doesn't ever solve the problem.
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ScottG
Bothell Wa.
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Joined: 02/25/2005
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If a ball joint is making noise it's because it's worn and greasing it won't fix it. Same story for diffs, if it's making bad sounds then something needs to be fixed. Just changing the fluid or greasing is going to turn into something that leaves you sitting. If this is your mechanics way of thinking then I would get a second opinion. Also, your garden variety mechanic doesn't rebuild diffs. This is a very specialized field.
Scott, Grace and Wesly
2003 Dodge 3500 4x4, 6 speed Cummins (lightly bombed),
2004 Forest River 25RKS many, many mods.
H0NDA eu2000i
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kmb1966
Lake Charles
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figures.
He indicated that we would need to inspect the ball joint. I have only heard it make the noise one time. But, as indicated, probably need to have it R&R.
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Handbasket
Asheville, NC
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Joined: 01/17/2003
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If the ball joint was confirmed by actual physical inspection to be worn / loose, yeah, it'll need replacement, both sides, maybe top and bottom. Greasing now will do no good. Just be sure that the noise didn't come from the steering stops or sway bar bushings; either would be much cheaper & simpler. I know my Toyota p'up makes a terrible 'gronk' sound as I turn tightly at the bottom of of my steep front driveway; steering stops need grease.
But if it's a clutch-type limited slip differential, yes, a fluid change may well cure it for 10-20,000 miles or more. BTDT.
Jim, "Mo' coffee!"
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison (aka 'Loafer's Glory') www.tigervehicles.com
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Handbasket
Asheville, NC
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I checked with my buddy who's a high line import tech (35+ yrs in the business) when we went to lunch today. He confirmed that changing the fluid (including putting in the positraction additive) is the 1st step in diagnosing a noisy positraction differential. Then go to an empty parking lot and drive it in about ten figure 8's. The noise & vibration will go away if it's not terminally failed.
Jim, "Only Robinson Crusoe had everything done by Friday."
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RnRs-RT
South Central Pa.
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Joined: 01/23/2011
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On my 2003 dodge conversion van, if I would make a SHARP turn and have any kind of a bump such as turning in my drive, I would get the same type of noise. It was just the steering stops. they are just steel on steel that limits the turning radius and they get rusty because they very seldom come into contact. Just put a glob of chassis lube on them once in a while.
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kmb1966
Lake Charles
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Handbasket wrote:I checked with my buddy who's a high line import tech (35+ yrs in the business) when we went to lunch today. He confirmed that changing the fluid (including putting in the positraction additive) is the 1st step in diagnosing a noisy positraction differential. Then go to an empty parking lot and drive it in about ten figure 8's. The noise & vibration will go away if it's not terminally failed.
Jim, "Only Robinson Crusoe had everything done by Friday."
That is precisly what he did, including the ten figure 8's.
He said to give it at least 100 miles before expecting improved results. fingers crossed!
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ScottG
Bothell Wa.
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The figure eight thing works if your having problem with the LSD while going around corners. If it makes noise going straight it's a different story.
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kmb1966
Lake Charles
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The noise takes place only at slow speeds when making a turn. It doesn't make the sound when going straight. Only at corners. So far, it is still doing it. Driven it 100 miles so far since the fluid change.
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steveh27
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
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Joined: 08/21/2004
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I replaced all 4 of my ball joints in my 1997 Xplorer, Dodge 3500 chassis, last year. That really improved the steering. I had it done at a local spring shop where I've gone for 20 years for $650. The Dodge Dealer wanted more than double that.
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