D22 Diff Noise

[gus/d22]

Hey all,
Just discovered this forum while trying to find some info about my D22 Nav.
Ive been experiencing a problem with the rear diff, when it gets hot it starts to make a few wild noises while turning sarpely and it seems as though it starting to grab a bit.
Ive jacked her up and put it in gear and there is no noise or signs of any rumbleing but when I drop 1 wheel on the ground and leave the other off it sounds pretty rough again.
This only happens when the diff is hot after a good run (an hour or so) otherwise its as smoothe as new.
Ive dropped and changed the oil and found no nasty chunks or signs of water, checked wheel bearings and drums which were all good.
I Purchased the car new in 2007 and its done around 65000km, nothing stenuous enough (I thought) to warrant a buggered diff.
Ive been given 2 lots of advise:
1. She\'ll be right all LSD\'s do that.
2. The clutch in the LSD is buggered $$$$$$$$.
Was wondering if anyone would have any ideas or has heard of similar problems.

 

[Dave]

Have you talked to a diff specialist ?

 

[gus/d22]

Hey Dave,
I've talked to a couple of mates today who are mechanics and also a mate who works at TJM who is pretty switched on but they're not real sure why the problem only exists when the diff is hot.
I rang a differential specialist and they want to pull it apart and have a look (credit card details in advance).
I dont know any reputable Diff specialists in Darwin so I wanted to get as much info as I could about posibilities before handing her over especially if others have had simillar problems.
Worse case scenario Ill probably go for air lockers but I dont want it to cost hundreds to find out that my diff is shagged and I need a new one, especially if the one Ive got is OK and just needs another oil etc.
Anyway, Ill take her for a run tomorrow with a mate and do some more diagnostics and see what happens.

 

[Dave]

Extended the diff breather ?

What age is the Nav ?

Drive through rivers and crossings much ?

 

[Aido]

Find an area and do some full lock figure 8's. Graunching or grinding noises whilst doing that will show as the clutch pack lets go or slips - hot or cold.
Is the right oil in the diff?
Another thing to check is the center tailshaft bearing for play or splits to the vulcanised rubber as it transferes the noise down to the diff.
Keep us updated as to what you find.

 

[gus/d22]

I'm useing castrol rear axle LSX 90.
Pretty sure the noise is comming from the diff, we jacked both wheels up and put her in gear (running) and theres no noise at at all but when one wheels down and the other is up the grinding/binding noise comes strait on (only when hot).
The vehicle has seen plenty of water crossings and I havnt put an extended breather on yet but there is no signs of water in the oil, I always check the oil after shes been exposed to water.
Center bearing is in good order.
Ive been running that oil for about 15,000km and has been OK until now.
Any idea of what temp the Diff should run at or what temp their own Diff runs at after an hour or so on the road, I suppose you need to take into account the ambient temperature, roads get pretty hot up here in NT.

 

[gus/d22]

Does Nissan recomend a particular brand of oil.

 

[ST-R]

Does Nissan recomend a particular brand of oil.

No,

But 80/90 for cooler climates and 140 for "Middle East" or hot climates. i would sat for the NT 140 limited slip oil would be wise.

Regards
Greg

 

[gus/d22]

140 limited slip oil sounds like its definately worth a go, the LSX 90 always seems a little thin so that might be where the drama is.

 

[scottybobcat]

You shouldn't be able to put 1 wheel on the ground when in gear as it is LSD.It should be grabbing and driving off your car stand.

 

[Dave]

I reckon its had water damage.

factory rear diff breathers on the later models are shit.

 

[gus/d22]

You shouldn't be able to put 1 wheel on the ground when in gear as it is LSD.It should be grabbing and driving off your car stand.[/QUOTE

The Diff has gotta slip.

Looks like the problem is solved.
Spoke to a few mechanics around town and they all say that castrol is no good up here on the hot roads.
I flushed it out and put in another lsx 90 and the noise appears to be gone.