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Whining noise from the differential

Needs attention soon

rear end whine · differential noise while driving

Symptom description

A whining or howling noise coming from the differential (front, rear, or center on AWD cars), changing pitch with vehicle speed.

Common causes

  • Low or degraded differential fluid
  • Worn ring and pinion gears inside the differential
  • Worn differential bearings

What to check

Check the differential fluid level if accessible - low fluid is a common, relatively cheap cause worth ruling out before assuming gear wear.

Can you keep driving?

Get it checked soon. A worn differential can progress to complete failure, which can lock up a wheel or cause loss of control.

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Descriptions are for guidance only and do not replace a workshop inspection. If you are ever unsure whether it is safe to keep driving, pull over in a safe spot.

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