Dodge Durango Forum banner
21 - 32 of 32 Posts
Discussion starter · #21 ·
He said it was a leak, not failing due to bearings or anything. Also he didn't have a chance to check the rear diff since it was raining pretty hard and he didn't want to drive it that fast (65). Have to bring it back.
 
Discussion starter · #22 ·
Shoot one more issue I forgot to mention. The rear seat heater on the driver's side... When I press it, the light comes on for a few seconds, 10 maybe?, but then goes out and the seat doesnt get warm. Passenger side rear works fine, except that's where the car seat is. :rolleyes:
 
Discussion starter · #23 ·
Ok guys... Got it inspected at the nearest dodge dealership and dude says I need a new rear diff for the whine. Said the gears were shot, then proceeded to quote me 3k to get that done. Seems a bit high to me, what do you all think? Also don't think it's something I want to tackle myself, never really messed with diffs before other than fluid changes. I'm in the Raleigh, NC area... Anyone have a place they'd recommend? Thanks.

Quick question... He would have had to open it up to make that decision, correct? Originally from the test drive he said might be pinion bearing, but now saying a whole new diff? Also it only has 105k miles on it. Do they go bad that fast? We don't drive it crazy and have towed less than 5 times. Not sure about previous owner though...
 
No, typically last the life of the car unless there is a fluid leak out a seal which then would cause the fluid level to get too low and then hurt bearings.
But you can pick up a good used diff for your vehicle for around $200-250. A good local repair shop or a driveline/4 wheel drive shop can install quickly. I'd make a few calls for quotes. Install cost should not exceed $500.
 
Discussion starter · #27 ·
Awesome thanks for the info. Is the whine something to be concerned about or can it be put off for awhile. Don't hear any grinding or anything... Also how would they know the gears were bad unless they opened it up?
 
Assuming the fluid level is correct and noise is not getting louder...should be fine to put off.
They wouldn't know for sure about the gears unless they pulled the rear cover, coated the gears with marking paint and rotated the gears around to see the pattern and compare it to what the pattern should be. But if they have seen several of the same, then the mechanic may know the outcome. Typically if the gears are not set up correctly, they will wear wrong and you'll get noise which can only be corrected with new gear set.
 
depending on the tech experience will let us know if the diff is bad....you don't need to remove the pan to even check the end play in the input shaft...it's not comin for the rear diff to go but hey anything can happen nothing is perfect. it is difficult for you to diagnose it yourself but it is possible but you will need to get the wheels up off the ground so you can spin it up and start listening for noise's. To replace the rear diff without breaking the bank i would suggest looking for you pull yards or the wreckers. I've pulled many parts for my own durango even though i work at a dealership, sometimes even employee prices aren't that great.
 
Discussion starter · #31 ·
Sooooo... Brought it to a gear shop that works on drive lines and they told me the rear diff is pretty much a dealer only part. This was from a highly recommended place too. Said they mainly rebuild solid rears, not my kind. Also weren't comfortable with installing a used one. Basically said they'd have to just replace the whole thing instead of being able to work on individual pieces. Don't wanna drop 3k at the dealership, any other ideas?
 
21 - 32 of 32 Posts