Hearing Strange Noises From Your AWD Vehicle? It Could Be a Differential Problem—Here’s How to Tell Which One is Failing

All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles rely on both front and rear differentials to distribute power efficiently to all four wheels. When one of these critical components begins to fail, it can leave you stranded or cause expensive damage to other drivetrain components. The key to avoiding costly repairs is knowing how to identify which differential is causing problems before it’s too late.

Understanding Your AWD Vehicle’s Differential System

An all-wheel or 4-wheel-drive vehicle will have both front and rear differentials providing power to all four wheels. Four-wheel drive vehicles have two differentials: one in the front and one in the rear. Front differentials are found in vehicles with front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Rear differentials are typically found in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and AWD vehicles. These components allow your wheels to rotate at different speeds during turns, ensuring proper handling and preventing excessive tire wear.

Common Signs of Differential Problems

Regardless of whether your front or rear differential is failing, certain symptoms are universal. Whining or whirring noises can be a sign of a failing differential. You might notice them more when you accelerate, slow down or navigate a corner. If you feel a vibration that gets more intense as you accelerate, inspect your differential as soon as possible. Even if it’s not the differential causing the vibration, this is a symptom you should never ignore.

If your vehicle is hard to control while turning or pulls to one side, it could be a symptom of a failing differential. Additionally, look for excessive tyre wear, uneven treads, or damage along the outer tyres. These symptoms indicate that your differential isn’t properly managing wheel speed differences during turns.

Identifying Front Differential Problems

Front differential issues often manifest differently than rear differential problems. One of the easiest ways to know whether you’re having issues with your differential is trouble steering or making turns. If your vehicle isn’t handling exactly as it should, this may be the issue. Bad front differentials can also cause significant vibrations within your vehicle. There are also other signs, including your vehicle using more oil than usual or abnormal wear-and-tear on your tires.

Since the front differential is integrated with the steering system in many AWD vehicles, problems here will be most noticeable during turning maneuvers. If your vehicle is hard to turn or feels like it’s binding when making a turn, it could be a sign of a differential problem.

Recognizing Rear Differential Failure

Rear differential problems typically present with different characteristics. A failing differential [both front and rear] will make a whirring noise, whining noise, howling noise, and humming noise. These noises will gradually change during acceleration, deceleration, or when turning around the corner. However, I have 2013 GMC Yukon XL Denali that has a whining sound coming from the rear end when I go around corners at low speeds and when I back up and turn it also whines. Is this telling me limited slip is going bad? Could be a problem with the differential, yes.

When a vehicle makes a humming or whirring noise, it is usually caused by a damaged or worn-out bearing in the axle or carrier. When it makes a whining or howling noise, it is usually caused by a damaged or worn-out ring and pinion gears. These sounds are typically more pronounced from the rear of the vehicle during acceleration or when navigating turns.

Location-Specific Diagnosis Tips

To determine which differential is failing, pay attention to where the noises and vibrations originate. Whenever their components are not being lubricated properly, you are likely to hear whining noises coming from the end of your car where the differential sits. However, a good indicator is to figure out where the leaks are coming from. If the leak is directly under one of your axles (especially the one corresponding with your front- or rear-wheel-drive system), then there’s a good chance it’s a differential leak and you will want this fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the wheels, axles, drivetrain or transmission.

Look for puddles or stains under your vehicle, specifically near the front or rear axles. Look for puddles or stains under your vehicle, specifically near the front or rear axles. This can help you pinpoint which differential is leaking fluid and likely experiencing problems.

The Importance of Professional Diagnosis

You’ll want to address any differential problems as soon as possible. If the differential were to fail while driving, your vehicle could suffer additional damage, as we’ll discuss below. More importantly, a compromised differential can negatively impact your safety when you’re behind the wheel by making it difficult to turn. A faulty differential can also cause your car’s wheels to lock up, and this can put you in a dangerous situation if it happens while you’re in traffic.

When you suspect differential problems in your AWD vehicle, it’s crucial to seek professional help. If you’re searching for reliable differential repair near me, consider Pro Transmissions & Automotive of Athens. Pro Transmissions and Automotive of Athens is dedicated to providing top-quality auto repair services for American, Japanese, classic, and muscle cars. As a family-owned business, we take pride in our personalized service and attention to detail, ensuring every vehicle receives the care it deserves. With a team of seven skilled technicians, including two Master Certified Technicians, we bring decades of combined experience to every job.

At Pro Transmissions in Athens, GA, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing differential issues to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Our team of experienced technicians is trained to identify and fix a wide range of differential problems. We use the latest diagnostic tools and equipment to ensure precise and efficient repair services. We prioritize our customers’ satisfaction, providing honest, transparent services and ensuring your vehicle is safe and reliable.

Prevention and Maintenance

Like all components of your vehicle, your differential needs periodic service. The primary maintenance step is to replace the differential oil (otherwise known as gear oil) per the manufacturer’s recommendation. While differentials can last around 150,000 miles, they can be subject to wear and tear from everyday driving, just like every other part of your car.

Regular maintenance and early detection of problems can save you thousands in repair costs. If you hear this, it’s a good idea to have your differential inspected, and possibly the transmission too. If you catch it early, the fix could be as simple as a gear oil change.

Don’t wait until you’re stranded on the roadside. If you notice any of these symptoms in your AWD vehicle, schedule an inspection with qualified technicians who understand the complexities of differential systems. Early intervention can mean the difference between a simple repair and a complete differential replacement.