Anyone experienced a rear differential failure – or at least know the symptoms?

Strange whirring noises started emanating from the boot area a month back, which have subsequently got worse. I took the Scoobysport back box off (so I could hear better!) and it sounds fairly bad, but not terrible - more annoying than anything else. The whirring is there on and off power and increase with road speed. However, when reversing at anything above walking pace (with a hint of power) there is a very loud grinding noise. This is not unlike the non-syncromesh sound the gearbox makes normally when in reverse (or the old straight-cut gears on my old Mk2 Escort), but a hundred times worse and from the back end! Is this a diff on the way out?

I don’t remember anyone ever mentioning this type of problem before. I’ve already had the wheel bearings on both sides replaced at 21K because of a previous noise problem from my rear. The wife reckons I need an operation!

Should I get straight onto the dealer, or just put the Scoobysport back on and try and forget about it!?

Moss (MY99, 28K)

 

Moss
Lucky you! mine lasted 1800mls. Started as an occasional clonk and got progressively worse over the next couple of days. Actual running noise was only a little louder by this time but reverse was more noticable. The dealer threatened a diff. re-build which I refused, he replaced the unit promptly.
Go to your dealer immediatly, if this is a bearing breaking up it could seize and the results dont bear contemplating! The unit is limited-slip and very expensive (£1700 quoted by the dealer!)
Good luck! JohnD

 

The dealer network has no service tools available to repair the rear diff (very annoying as the bearings are available), so take the car to your dealer

 

No good - dealer says it's not loud enough yet?? So I'll have to suck it and see for a few more miles?

 

Check the hub nuts, either sides. Needs about 200lbs of torque to tighten so a socket set wont work!

Ronnie