2000 silverado differential

[avshokey33]

I have a 2000 Z71. Is it normal for the rear differential to lock occasionally when going around corners? I have read several of the posts regarding the rear differential, but non indicated if it was normal for it to occasionally lock around corners. It was recommended I put in the additive. I did that and no help. Then was told the additive was bad for the rear-end, so I drained and replaced the fluid. No help. Most recently I took off the back plate cleaned all the gears I could. There were no metal shavings on the magnet and no teeth missing on the gears. Replaced the fluid again, and it will still lock occasionally when making turns. Is the occasional locking something that is normal? It is not locked all the time.

[Sonny01]

What is your truck doing as you go around a corner? I have a 2000 without the locking diff (I think it's the G80 code)and when I go around a corner(from a stop)the inside tire always breaks free if the road is even slightly wet. I have had to frantically punch the 4WD button to get some traction.

[kenny-1907]

I would have it inspected by a professional soon. It could be the same thing that has happened to many of them where the center pin that holds the spider gears in wears a oval slopped hole in the carrier which causes gear misalignment and causes it to lock up on you. I am surprised that it has not grenaded on you already if that is what it is, i know mine did and it only made noise once around a corner, the first and only time lol. Whether you have a posi unit in there or not does not matter, it should not lock up on corners, if it does there is something wrong most likely with the spider gears.

[avshokey33]

I am going to have it looked at. It doesn't completley lock up, I don't drag locked-up tires around the corner. When the problem does occur, it is like is slips and sticks, the tires "bark" around the corner.

[tykrz]

Sounds like something is worn in the operating mechanism of the locking differential unit. Unfortunately these units are not the most durable and cant take much abuse. If the thing is beyond repair I'd seriously look at an aftermarket unit such as an Auburn gear unit. From my experience they outperform the OEM unit 10 to 1.

[dmilacek]

Originally Posted by avshokey33

I am going to have it looked at. It doesn't completley lock up, I don't drag locked-up tires around the corner. When the problem does occur, it is like is slips and sticks, the tires "bark" around the corner.

What did you find out? I have a '99 silverado that locks the rear if I spin the tires, then I have trouble getting the rear to unlock. I changed the fluid, but it did not fix the problem. Please let me know. I can't find anything on this.