Noise driving me crazy

Hi guys,

I have a 2000 Silverado 1500 4WD. I have a noise coming from the rear differential when I turn corners. It sounds like a creaking door that needs the hinges lubricated. Its been doing this for about a year and a half now. I would say I only hear the noise under 25mph. I have the G80 Locker. I've changed the fluid twice. Put Mobil 1 synthetic in both times. The first time without the additive for posi differentials - groaning noise still there. The second time I added the additive. Groaning went away for a few days and then it came back. The noise is slowing getting louder as time goes by. I haven't noticed any performance problems - just this noise that drives me crazy and has people stare at me when turning into stalls in parking lots and the like.

Anybody have any ideas?

If there is a repair needed can it be made by removing the cover off the diff or do the axles need to be pulled? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Hi guys,

I have a 2000 Silverado 1500 4WD. I have a noise coming from the rear differential when I turn corners. It sounds like a creaking door that needs the hinges lubricated. Its been doing this for about a year and a half now. I would say I only hear the noise under 25mph. I have the G80 Locker. I've changed the fluid twice. Put Mobil 1 synthetic in both times. The first time without the additive for posi differentials - groaning noise still there. The second time I added the additive. Groaning went away for a few days and then it came back. The noise is slowing getting louder as time goes by. I haven't noticed any performance problems - just this noise that drives me crazy and has people stare at me when turning into stalls in parking lots and the like.

Anybody have any ideas?

If there is a repair needed can it be made by removing the cover off the diff or do the axles need to be pulled? Any help would be greatly appreciated!



the fluid to use is 75-90wt synthetic gear lube. this eaton locker on your vehicle uses no additives..the 4 oz additive is for the limited slip differential used on caprices/impalas/buick roadmasters etc.

your 4WD truck does not have this fagile rear diff.

when replacing the rear diff fluid the rear cover needs removal. then you can inspect and clean out the debris. If this was never done I suspect the diff will need replacement.

Check to see if your truck has a Carrier Bearing, (it is a large bearing, 3-4" in diameter, on the driveshaft, located halfway between the trans and the differential, mounted in a stamped steel bracket, bolted to the underside of the truck). It's job is to support the shaft. If there is one there, I can almost guarantee that is the source of your noise. Had that same sound on my old Chevy, creaked like an old wooden sailing ship during low-speed turns. Part cost about $20, but had to drop the shaft and take the entire assy to a driveline shop, so they could press the old bearing off, and press new one on. Total expense was around $40, and never heard that noise again. There was no zerk fitting to lube that bearing, at least on my truck, otherwise I would have tried that first...