Noisy diff

I've got a 1.6 5 sp Polo hatch, November 1998 model. There is a continuous "rumble" from the region of the diff or front wheel bearings. At first suspecting the wheel bearings I replaced these. No difference. A month later the rumbling has increased and appears to coming from the diff housing in all forward gears only. There is not excessive play on the dive shafts, beside the normal (and expected) diff backlash. The car has done only 62,000 km. Has anyone had or heard of a similar complaint?

cheers

Klonkie
Melbourne, Australia

Does it get worse under acceleration or when you turn? Also have you checked the cv boots?

The rumble increases with road speed only. Hard or mild acceleration does not change the pitch. CV boots OK, no grease leaking, CV joints feel OK. In reverse (with the car on stands) the noise is less, but I can't tell if the rumble is there as (a) can't go fast enough in reverse and (b) reverse gear is very noisy anyway. I have also noticed a tinkling noise in the diff that sounds as though there is a small part or a ball bearing tumbling around all by itself.

The rumble increases with road speed only. Hard or mild acceleration does not change the pitch. CV boots OK, no grease leaking, CV joints feel OK. In reverse (with the car on stands) the noise is less, but I can't tell if the rumble is there as (a) can't go fast enough in reverse and (b) reverse gear is very noisy anyway. I have also noticed a tinkling noise in the diff that sounds as though there is a small part or a ball bearing tumbling around all by itself.

Have you checked the oil level of the gearbox? I had i similar problem on my polo and it ended up being a bearing inside the gearbox that went.

The gearbox oil level is OK. I took it to an independent repairer yesterday and he suspects a damaged wheel bearing (one that I replaced). He is going to strip it next week so I'll know by then.

cheers

Klonkie

It turned out to be the RF wheel bearing - dry as a bone.

Hoe gaan dit in die ou Kaap, meneer?

cheers

John

It turned out to be the RF wheel bearing - dry as a bone.

Hoe gaan dit in die ou Kaap, meneer?

cheers

John


Goed en nat (jy weet mos hulle se die Kaap is soos n kleintjie as hy nie nat is nie het hy 'n wind)

I thought you said you replaced the front wheel bearings?

Enjoy Aus
Fanie

Turns out that the RHS bearing had very little grease in it. It was showing signs of overheating when we removed it after a few kms. The supplier has agreed to a refund.

Pity that Province missed a place in the Currie Cup finals. We're hoping they show the finals live here on Saturday. Go Bulls! (my wife's hometown)

cheers

John

I see

I'm originally from Bloem so I'm quite happy at the moment :grinno:

Cheers
Fanie

learning here..