Rear Diff issues?

rainmanshaun · Sep 8, 2017

Hi to all - I have just joined this forum. I have a 2005 KJ Cherokee Renegade which has developed a worrying problem with its rear axle/diff.

When I am turning sharply out of a junction or say manoeuvring into/out of a parking space there is a clonking noise from the rear end.

I looked out of the window at the rear wheel and it looks like the wheel is partially locking up then releasing as I turn.

Can anybody point me in the right direction as to the likely cause of this?

The symptom is getting worse...

Rowlette · Sep 8, 2017

I had to replace mine a few years back[emoji21]

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tommudd · Sep 8, 2017

When was the rear diff serviced last
Does it have the tracLoc ?
Is that the only time you are noticing it happening ?
Are you sure its not the brakes ?

HoosierJeeper · Sep 8, 2017

x2 on Trac loc

rjkj2005 · Sep 8, 2017

Service the rear. If it has tge tracloc limited slip make sure the LSD additive is added.

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tommudd · Sep 8, 2017

I took a GMC pickup in on trade several years ago, owner claimed that the rear end was going out so priced the trade accordingly.
Got in the garage , changed the diff fluid, added the additives , drove around in a bunch of tight circles both ways for 15-20 minutes .
ALL GOOD. :icon_razz:
30 minutes later sitting in front of the house for sale !

wheeee32 · Sep 8, 2017

Service the rear diff and check the brakes.

rainmanshaun · Sep 9, 2017

Thanks for all your replies - not sure if I have an lsd or not and don't know when the diff was last serviced as I have only had it for just under a year and not put that much mileage on it. I first noticed what I thought was wheel spin when pulling out of intersections and put it down to engine torque/loss of traction but it's slowly got worse with the clunking noise now too which is also now happening on tighter road curves. I have booked it in to the Transmission Shop next week so they will let me know what they find. I will let you all know what the diagnosis is.....

rainmanshaun · Sep 9, 2017

In addition to my post above it definitely looks like the diff cover bolts have been disturbed at least once in the past and there is some sort of rubber mounting on top of the diff casing that doesn't look quite right either.... Bought it as a one lady owner vehicle with all the service stamps in the book but so far have had to replace a fractured hi pressure oil line to the Turbo and the Turbo itself, serpentine belt, cam belt, Water pump and rear discs pads and right hand calliper ....

rainmanshaun · Sep 9, 2017

I have run the Vin Number to get the build sheet and it shows that the Trac Loc was fitted to my Jeep so fingers crossed it wont cost too much to sort it out!

uss2defiant · Sep 9, 2017

that 'rubber mounting' you mentioned is the fill plug.
You can pry that open and see if there is gear oil.

Turbo?? so you have a diesel then?

Billwill · Sep 9, 2017

If you have been driving for some time with the trac loc not being serviced then there is a good chance that it may now be trashed.

I have Track Loc on my Export 2.5 CRD 2002 and some time ago I started noticing the symptoms you mention. I bought the correct additive from the dealer....comes in a small bottle in the correct amount, removed the round plate on the diff so the oil could drain. Cleaned out the gears nicely, put a good quality RTV silicone on the mating surface...let it slightly harden then torque down all the bolts.

Then remove the small rubber plug at the top of the diff....put in the friction additive and fill up to the fill hole with a non-synthetic 8W90 gear oil.

Do a few figure 8 turns in each direction on a large parking bay and see how it goes...mine has been working fine for years now!

rainmanshaun · Sep 9, 2017

uss2defiant said:
that 'rubber mounting' you mentioned is the fill plug.
You can pry that open and see if there is gear oil.

Turbo?? so you have a diesel then?

The rubber mounting I am talking about is right at the top of the diff casing in between the diff casing and the chassis - yes its a 2.8CRD Diesel Engine italian made I think.

rainmanshaun · Sep 9, 2017

Billwill said:
If you have been driving for some time with the trac loc not being serviced then there is a good chance that it may now be trashed.

I have Track Loc on my Export 2.5 CRD 2002 and some time ago I started noticing the symptoms you mention. I bought the correct additive from the dealer....comes in a small bottle in the correct amount, removed the round plate on the diff so the oil could drain. Cleaned out the gears nicely, put a good quality RTV silicone on the mating surface...let it slightly harden then torque down all the bolts.

Then remove the small rubber plug at the top of the diff....put in the friction additive and fill up to the fill hole with a non-synthetic 8W90 gear oil.

Do a few figure 8 turns in each direction on a large parking bay and see how it goes...mine has been working fine for years now!

Lets hope its not trashed as most probably big bucks to repair - we will see...

rainmanshaun · Sep 14, 2017

Ok update on my diff problem - the diff has vitually self destructed and looks like I was lucky to have got to the Transmission shop! Half the planetary gears were in pieces in the bottom of the casing...

New diff and oil new oil and filter for the auto box new oil in the front diff and transfer box is going to cost me around £1800.00 + vat but what choice do I have? This jeep has basically cost me the purchase price all over again in repairs in less than one year of ownership The question is having spent this money do I now keep it or sell
It onwards???

HoosierJeeper · Sep 14, 2017

What other vehicle could you get for 1800 that wouldn't need any repairs? I think keep the KJ.

I say that having spent easily double what I paid for my XJ on fixing it. LOL.

Myke · Sep 14, 2017

Could just find a used rear axle and replace it yourself if you have some sockets, wrenches, breaker bar, 2 jack stands, and a big hammer.

I did this when my pinion bearing went.

Billwill · Sep 15, 2017

I agree with Myke...try get a used diff from a breaker yard...make sure it is the correct type! My 2002 Export CRD with Trac Loc has the 4.10 diff!

rainmanshaun · Sep 15, 2017

HoosierJeeper said:
What other vehicle could you get for 1800 that wouldn't need any repairs? I think keep the KJ.

I say that having spent easily double what I paid for my XJ on fixing it. LOL.

I paid £4999 for it - I have already spent £1600 on a new turbo, oil feed pipe belts and water pump....

rainmanshaun · Sep 15, 2017

Myke said:
Could just find a used rear axle and replace it yourself if you have some sockets, wrenches, breaker bar, 2 jack stands, and a big hammer.

I did this when my pinion bearing went.

I did think of that but then who knows what condition a used diff is going to be in?

My thinking is spend the money and get it all done professionally then either keep it knowing that its all ok or sell it happy in the knowledge that its not going to let the new owner down.

The amazing thing is that both the Turbo and the diff problem occurred close to home so for that I am thankful!

Rear Diff issues?

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