[carlos83]

Hi Guys,

The GV (99 LWB 2.5L V6 Manual) has started making a whiney noise when going over 50kmh with the throttle on only, when you take your foot off the gas it stops. Its quite a high pitch noise, but changes pitch with speed. Sounds like its from the rear. Diff oil has been changed and its a bit quieter but definitely still there.
The mechanic thinks theres some wear in the diff and suggested replacing it.

Is there anyway to confirm its the diff or to check is it could be anything else?

If it is the diff, can anything be done? or will it need to be replaced?

Does anyone have a GV diff available? (I'll put this question in 'I want it' as well.) I'll start asking round wreckers.

Cheers

[Built4thrashing]

What ratio do you need?

To check it jack the back wheels up of the ground and support diff on Axle stands. Get under it and see how much play or turns the tailshaft has before the wheels start to move. Should feel it if its loose.

Most comon problem is the crush tube has squashed causing excessive backlash inside the diff. Or your bearings have worn out. If you get onto it quickly you may just need a rebuild not a complete replacement.

[carlos83]

According to GD's build thread I think the ratio is 4.3.

I'll try to borrow some axel stands and have a feel if its loose. Cheers for the advice. A rebuild would definitely be beyond my abillities. Any ideas on the cost of a rebuild vs a replacement from a wreckers?

[gregdixon]

Suzistore sell a rear diff rebuild kit for vitaras. It is the same as a GV but requires a shorter crush sleeve but they should have one of them in stock as well.

Shop around for labour prices and pull the third member out, for very little work you can save a few bucks.


I have my set of 4.3 ring and pinions that were quiet if you need. They have done 150,000km.

[steak_knife]

Look at wheel bearing's first, especially if it has abs......

[carlos83]

Cheers guys. Unfortunately I've got to go back to england in a week for a few months and won't be back till x-mas. The Mrs will be staying here and using the GV as a daily drive.

I know its difficult to say, but from your experience, will it be ok to leave it and see if it gets worse then sort it out when I'm back? Or is that asking for trouble?

[gvzookdriver]

Well if it is wheel bearing it could go all bad

[Built4thrashing]

when ya get weird noises comming from ya rear end its best to get it sorted out asap. Same goes with ya car. it may last for ages but when you do go to get it fixed it may not be able to be rebuilt.

Wreckers around here want anywhere from $400-$900 for a rear diff out of a GV. Thats the prices i got 6 months ago.

[carlos83]

Fair enough. Thanks for the advice guys. I'll see what I can do to get it sorted before I go. I don't think the Mrs has any hardcore off roading planned while I'm away so hopefully it will just be used to potter to the shops every now and then.