Expert Differential Auto Repair in San Jose, CA

Mike’s Transmissions is the name you can trust in San Jose, CA, for all your transmission repair needs. We know differential auto repair inside and out and can save you time and money by getting your differential auto service or repair work done right the first time!

If your car needs differential service or repair, you can count on the service team at Mike’s Transmissions. Click here for more information on how we can help!

What Is a Differential?

You’re not the only one if you’ve never heard of a differential. The car’s differential is a small gearbox situated in the middle of the driving wheels. For example, if your car has front-wheel drive, you can find the differential between the two front wheels and the rear wheels on vehicles with rear-wheel drive.

Likewise, a four-wheel-drive car or truck typically has two differentials—one in the front and one in the rear.

What Does a Differential Do?

The differential delivers power from the car’s engine to the axle that turns your wheels, making it drive. Your transmission works with the differential, making it an essential part of your drivetrain.

If your vehicle’s differential isn’t working properly, you will experience significant problems, including steering issues, grinding differential gears, and even a possible failure of your drive wheels.

So, it’s important to keep your car’s differential in good shape and get it checked out regularly.

When Do You Need a Differential Repair?

You should never ignore a differential repair because it can affect your vehicle’s performance and overall safety. The most common sign that you need a rear differential repair is noise from the differential unit. This could indicate one of many problems, like a differential fluid leak.

Cars with high mileage also tend to require front and rear differential service more than others. Another sign that you need a differential system repair is a loud howling noise coming from your differential. This usually means that your vehicle’s components need replacement.

A whistling or humming noise near the axle shafts is also one of the top indicators of a problem. If you experience a noise that only occurs when changing wheel speed or exploring different speeds, this could indicate a loose pinion bearing preload.

A rumbling or whirring noise from your car when you go over 20 mph indicates worn carrier bearings and a need for differential repairs. A whirring sound or other strange noises from your car while accelerating is a sign that the internal gears are out of alignment or worn down until they can’t connect properly.

You should never ignore these signs when they appear. Get your vehicle checked out by the pros at Mike’s Transmissions, and you’ll spare yourself a breakdown on the road. It will also save you from more costly repairs than rear differential repairs.

Can You Drive With a Bad Differential?

If you’re worried about replacement costs and wondering if you can drive with differential problems, it’s not advised. A differential doesn’t go out without warning and therefore gives the signs we’ve indicated above.

As long as you follow the recommended oil and differential fluid change schedule, you shouldn’t have a differential problem. However, if you notice a grayish fluid and ignore it, you will have a differential issue, like a whining noise.

Although it’s technically possible to drive with bad rear differentials, it will only worsen the problem. Soon your car’s differential issue will worsen, and you will find yourself stranded on the road somewhere.

It could also damage other components of your car, resulting in a time-consuming repair, unlike the simple repair of your vehicle’s front and rear differentials.

What Does Differential Service Entail?

For differential auto repair, you should lubricate your differential with fluid inside that transfers heat away from the gears. Unfortunately, wear and operating temperatures can cause this fluid to break down over time, leading to increased friction and heat, which can result in grinding differential gears.

The best way to deal with this is to replace your differential fluid at recommended intervals.

Having Trouble With Your Car’s Differential? Reach Out to Mike’s Transmissions for a Differential Auto Repair

The best way to deal with this is to replace your differential fluid at recommended intervals.

Differential Auto Repair