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I have recently noticed a clicking noise from the front differential on my 2000 Chevrolet Silverado when traveling at low speeds (under 10 MPH, but I'm sure it's always there, but it's too fast/too much road noise which makes it impossible to hear at faster speeds).

I know it's coming from the front, and I even removed the tire and the driver's axleshaft and rotated the shaft coming out of the front differential directly and I still heard/felt the clicking noise from the front differential.

So here's what I have eliminated/things I have tried

  1. It's not the wheel bearing since it wasn't turning once I disconnected the axleshaft
  2. It's not the inner or outer CV joints for the same reason as above (and I replaced it for good measure since I had it out... and it looked original)
  3. It's not the U-Joint coming from the transfer case because the 4 wheel drive was disengaged when I was spinning the axleshaft by hand which would not have turned the transfer case
  4. Partially locked 4 wheel drive/bad vacuum solenoid. I eliminated this by driving the car and putting it into 4 wheel drive. There was a definite shift in power but the clicking was still there. I only attempted this because I have heard that the solenoid can get partially engaged constantly, which might have explained the clicking.

Things I have yet to do

  1. Replace front differential fluid. I know this is an obvious one, but I didn't have what I needed to do it yesterday because I had originally suspected the wheel bearing. Also, on the advice of my wife's uncle, when I change the fluid I will check the old fluid for any signs of issues. I know to look for metal shavings, but is there anything else I should look for in the old fluid?
  2. Take it to my mechanic to check it out. I definitely trust my mechanic but I'm trying to find out is there anything else I can try changing/troubleshooting before taking it to my mechanic?
StephenH
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2 Answers2

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Ultimately, I replaced the half shaft and found out that wasn't it (although, for reference, the half shaft ended up being really easy to change. Was able to do it without even removing the wheel bearing). Even though it seemed full, I just added some differential fluid and the noise seemed to subside. I will be changing the fluid entirely in the future and looking for any metal shavings to decide if there is any damage.

StephenH
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My problem was when i heard clicking noises coming from my diff, it ended up being the pinion gearing. It was a tooth chipped off. So you should check that out when ya get a chance.

Bradshaw
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