I competed on a road rally last night in my scooby (1994 WRX RA), we decided to retire after having a puncture as the spare was 15" not 16" as fitted to the car. We decided to do this as it apparently buggers up your centre diff (puncture was on front). We got home alright (approx 80 miles) but near home we had a few minuites where the rear diff started smelling of burnt rubber and was smoking, it was also very hot to touch. The puncture on the front should'nt affect the rear diff as that runs off the prop. I havent had chance to check the diff oil yet and I couldnt tell if it was whining as we were on m&s tyres. Any one any ideas.

 

Marks and spencers tyres??
Could be that the oil has been burnt through heavy use and now when you drive it the oil gives no protection and the diff just heats up, how old is the diff oil??